When very high levels of blood glucose are present for years, it leads to damage of the small blood vessels. This in turn increases the risk of developing complications. Regular monitoring of HbA1c levels can reduce the risk of complications arising from diabetes.
What is glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c)?
It is the glucose molecules that irreversibly bind to haemoglobin molecules in red blood cells.
How is HbA1c tested?
HbA1c is tested through measuring the amount of glycosylated haemoglobin in your blood. The higher the glucose concentration in blood, the higher the level of HbA1c.
It is an important long term marker of average blood sugar levels (reflecting average glucose level over the past 2-3 months). Your doctor may order this test if you have diabetes as it involves sending blood samples to clinical laboratories to be tested.
What does your HbA1c reading tell you?
< 6.5% : Glucose in Control
6.5 - 7.5% : Borderline
> 7.5% : Poor Control
What is the difference between a HbA1c test and an instant blood glucose test?
HbA1c results are not affected by daily activity levels, type of foods consumed, or medications unlike instant blood glucose test.
Source : Bio-Life
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