You will provide

Blood Sample

This test is for both

Male, Female

Test Preparation

No extraordinary preparation is needed

What is HbA1c test for Diabetes?
The HbA1c test is a diagnostic test, also known as glycated haemoglobin test done to check your average level of blood sugar over 2 to 3 months. It’s an indicator that diabetes is controlled well.

For a diabetes patient, it’s a good test to check whether diabetes levels are within range. So, doctors suggest it to be done regularly.

HbA1c & Fasting plasma Glucose test or Fasting blood sugar (FBS) are done together for the diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes patients.

For Type 1 diabetes, HbA1c may not be a primary test, but it’s used with other tests for proper diagnosis.

Why do I need a HbA1c test for Diabetes?
People with diabetes who reduced their HbA1c by less than 1% can cut their risk of dying within 5 years by 50%, according to Swedish research presented at the annual meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes, Sept. 2012 (EASD). *source WebMD

· HbA1c can help diagnose Prediabetes – there is a higher risk of cardiovascular problems and developing type 1 or 2 diabetes, if you have prediabetes

· HbA1c can help diagnose Type 1 & Type 2 diabetes – this along with other tests (like FBS) is required to confirm diagnosis of diabetes by doctors.

· HbA1c can help assess if the diabetes treatment plan for existing diabetes patients is going well. The test is done regularly to check the treatment plan

High levels of A1c show poor sugar control and a high risk of diabetes-related complications.

What is a Normal range in Hemoglobin A1c Test
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO)

HbA1c below 6.0%: Non-diabetic
HbA1c between 6.0–6.4%: Impaired glucose regulation (IGR) or Prediabetes, have a high chance of getting diabetes
HbA1c of 6.5% or over Type 2 diabetes
If you have prediabetes your doctor may suggest appropriate lifestyle changes that help to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

If you have diabetes and your level is higher than the target, your doctor may change your treatment plan to get your level down.

How often should I do the HbA1c Test?
The frequency of the A1c test depends on a person’s medical conditions, type of diabetes and treatment plan.

Patients may require frequent HbA1c tests if there is a change in diabetes treatment or if any new medication is suggested by a doctor.

Usually, the test is recommended

· Prediabetes – once a year

· Diabetes patient whose blood sugar level is within target range but does not take insulin – twice a year

· Diabetes patients whose blood sugar level may sometimes become higher than the target range or are taking insulin – four times a year

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on HbA1c Test
What is a good HbA1c score?

HbA1c score below 6% indicate non-diabetic

What does the HbA1c test indicate?

Glycated Haemoglobin A1c occurs when blood cells that carry oxygen bond with glucose in the bloodstream resulting in glycation.

The higher the number of glycated blood cells, the higher the blood glucose level, which results in higher HbA1c levels.

The life of an average blood cell is 3 months, so HbA1c results reflect glucose levels of 2-3 months.

Is HbA1c a fasting test?

HbA1c is a simple diagnostic test that does not require fasting or any other special preparation and can be done at any time of the day.