The hemoglobin A1c test (HbA1c) is an essential blood test that gives an average of your blood sugar level over a 2-3 month period. It is used to determine how well your diabetes is being controlled and is used in conjunction with your regular, daily self-monitoring.
The HbA1c test determines the amount of glucose attached to your red blood cells. Hemoglobin, which is within red blood cells, carries oxygen throughout your body. When your diabetes is not controlled and blood sugar is too high, more sugar will attach to the blood cells and it becomes “glycated.”
In other words, measuring the hemoglobin A1c level, determines the average amount of sugar in your blood. The HbA1c test shows blood sugar control over the life of the blood cell. On average, red blood cells last 120 days. If your glucose levels have been elevated for a number of weeks, the results of the test will be higher.
Understanding the numbers?
For the non-diabetic, a normal HbA1c test is between 4% and 6%. According to The American Diabetes Association, less than 7% is the goal for people with diabetes. Keep in mind, the higher the HbA1c, the higher the risk of developing diabetes related complications.
For people living with diabetes, the HbA1c test should be repeated every three months to determine whether their blood sugars are within their target range. If your diabetes is managed well and under good control, you may be able to wait longer between the blood tests. Ideally, the test should be repeated every 6 months for proper monitoring of your blood sugar levels.
Certain health conditions or diseases may alter test results. For example, the hemoglobin A1c test may be affected in a person with anemia, kidney or liver disease. Some vitamin supplements may also influence results. Discuss these topics and concerns with your health care provider.
FYI:
~ HbA1c is an easy way to assess average glucose levels over a period of several weeks.
~It is one of the best tests for evaluating the risk for glycemic damage to tissues and the risk of diabetes complications.
~Improving HbA1c will decrease the risk of diabetes related complications.
~HbA1c may be lower for the new type 2-diabetic who is more sensitive to lifestyle changes and medications.
~HbA1c may be higher for patients with acute or chronic medical problems.
~Check every 3 months for the type 1-diabetic or if not meeting target HbA1c
~For patients undergoing medical treatment, it may be necessary to check more often than 3 months
If you are unsure of what your numbers mean, discuss it with your health care provider. You should be knowledgeable and aware of your test and target results.
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