Understanding A1C: Everything You Need to Know

The A1C test, also known as haemoglobin A1C or HbA1C, is usually done to diagnose prediabetes or diabetes.

What is an A1C test?

An A1C test is basically a blood test used to measure the average blood levels across the last 3 months. It is most effective in detecting prediabetic or diabetic conditions. It is again the primary test for diabetes management. Remember that high A1C levels indicate diabetes complications, which is why normal A1C results are the ultimate goal for diabetic patients.

What does the A1C test measure?

The A1C test looks for the percentage of red blood cells containing sugar coated haemoglobin. When sugar enters the bloodstream with your every intake, it gets attached to the haemoglobin, a protein present in RBCs. Normal levels of sugar attached to the haemoglobin is not harmful, but excessive attachment of sugar to haemoglobin points to diabetes.

Who requires the A1C test, and when is it necessary?

Testing for prediabetes and diabetes

Overweight adults above or below 45 years and having one or more risk factors for type 2 diabetes and prediabetes require a baseline A1C test.

• If you are above 45 and your baseline result is in normal range but you have gestational diabetes and associated risks, it is best to repeat this test in every 3 years.
• If your results show you are prediabetic, consult your healthcare professional at once for your health maintenance and minimising your risks for type 2 diabetes. Make sure to repeat the test as often as your doctor’s recommendation. Testing at a gap of every 1 to 2 years is ideal.
• If you do not experience any symptom but your result suggests you to be prediabetic or diabetic, you must undertake another test for confirmation.
• If the test results declare you to be diabetic, ask your doctor for a referral to some diabetes support service or self-management education program for your best health results.

Diabetes Management

If you are having diabetes, you must take the A1C test at least twice a year. In case you change your medications or are having some other underlying issue, testing more frequently is suitable. Your doctor will guide you on when to take the A1C tests.

Preparing for an A1C Test

You can easily undertake this test in your doctor’s clinic or in a laboratory. It will only require collecting a small blood sample from your finger or arm. A1C test does not require any such special preparation, but you can ask your doctor if you need to follow some tips or take some other tests.

A1C Test Result

Here are the reference ranges for A1C test results:

• Normal : below 5.7%
• Prediabetes : 5.7% to 6.4%
• Diabetes : 6.5%and above

The higher will be your A1C result, the more vulnerable you are to the risks of type 2 diabetes.

Managing Diabetes

A1C test result gives the value of estimated average glucose (eAG). It is the same value as mg/dL which is shown on blood sugar meters.

What factors influence the A1C results?

The results of an A1C test are based on different factors, including:

• Early or late pregnancy
• Intake of certain medications like opioids and HIV medicines
• People of African, Mediterranean, or Southeast Asian desert having ales common type of haemoglobin
• Patients with blood disorders such as sickle cell anaemia or thalassemia
• Blood loss or blood transfusion
• Kidney failure, liver disease, or severe anaemia

If you are suffering from any of the above conditions, make sure to inform your doctor and ask if any additional test is needed.

Your A1C Goal

For people having diabetes, the goal is to achieve a normal A1C result which is less than or equal to 7%. The goal should depend on many factors like age or other medical conditions. You should discuss with your healthcare provider to set your A1C goal.

As younger patients who are diabetic have several years ahead, the major goal is focused on reducing their risks of complications, unless they have hypoglycaemia. A higher goal is applicable for elderly people and those having serious health issues.

A1C plays a crucial role in diabetes management, but it does not replace the significance and advantages of regular blood sugar testing. The blood sugar level may rise or drop daily, but this change is not shown in A1C.

Two different individuals having exactly same A1C values might have varying daily sugar levels. Tracking blood sugar level is equally important to offer you more information on blood sugar, and also keeps your doctor informed for designing a better treatment plan.

Visit Private Blood Tests London today or call us on 02071830244 to book your appointment for A1C test.