Blood tests are extensively popular across the world. They can be ordered by physicians for many reasons, including determining how the kidneys, liver, heart, or thyroid of the patient are working. Blood tests are instrumental in diagnosing many medical conditions like cancer, diabetes, coronary heart disease, and HIV/AIDS. There are many service providers of diagnostic and related healthcare tests across India through whom one can get CBC test, HbA1C test, esr test price done at cost-effective pricing.
A haemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) test especially is quite a common test and is recommended by doctors to diagnose and monitor diabetes. This test shows what the average blood sugar (glucose) level of a person was over the past two to three months.
What does HbA1c mean?
HbA1c or glycated haemoglobin is made when the glucose (sugar) in the body sticks to the red blood cells. As the body cannot use the glucose properly, more of it sticks to the blood cells and builds up in the blood. Red blood cells are active for around 2-3 months. Hence, the HbA1C test is done quarterly. HbA1C indicates that a person has too much sugar in their blood, and hence has higher chances of developing diabetes complications.
Haemoglobin (Hb) essentially is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen through the body. HbA1c refers to glucose and haemoglobin joined together. The level of HbA1c formed is directly related to the amount of glucose in the blood of an individual.
Knowing one’s HbA1c level and consulting a doctor to understand how to lower it can prevent a person from experiencing certain health issues down the line. Therefore, it would be smart for people to get their HbA1c checked regularly, and make it a part of their annual health review. Details of HbA1c price and from where the test can be done can be found online.
Why Would one Need an HbA1c Test?
Doctors recommend a HbA1c test to people showing symptoms of diabetes, like:
- Dry skin
- Blurred vision
- Excess fatigue
- Sores that heal slow
- Unexpected weight loss
- Having more infections than usual
- Numbing and tingling of hands and feet
- Increased thirst and frequency of urination
An HbA1c test is done if a person experiences any symptoms of type 2 diabetes, to confirm a diagnosis. For people already diagnosed with diabetes, going for a HbA1c test can help understand how well their diabetes has been managed in the last few months. Many doctors recommend diabetes patients to have this test every 3 months. As HbA1c price is generally not too high, taking it regularly shouldn’t be too much of a problem for patients. Monitoring HbA1c is extremely important for diabetes patients. Hence, the higher HbA1c level one has, the greater risk they would have of developing diabetes complications like diabetic retinopathy, diabetic kidney disease, and diabetic neuropathy.
For people who are over the age of 45, an HbA1c test is recommended:
- If one has a family history of type 2 diabetes
- If one is obese
- If one has a history of heart disease or stroke
- If one has increased blood pressure or cholesterol.
- If one have prediabetes/a history of gestational diabetes or PCOS
What is the HbA1c Normal Range?
The result of HbA1c test is typically obtained in percentage. It provides the percentage of haemoglobin coated with glucose. The normal range for HbA1c would depend on many factors, including the age and medical history of the person.
For example, when it comes to healthy individuals with no diabetes, the HbA1c range is below 5.7%. On the other hand, HbA1c between 5.7% and 6.4% is an indication of prediabetes, while HbA1c of 6.5% or higher implies diabetes
For people who have diabetes, the HbA1c normal range should ideally be 48 mmol/mol (6.5%) or below. The test is routinely done to monitor and prevent sugar levels from flaring up. If there is an increase in blood sugar levels, a combination of medication, exercise, and diet is generally recommended to bring the flared levels down
How is the HbA1c Test Done?
The HbA1c test can be done at any time and does not need any prior preparation. There is no need for people to undergo fasting before the test. For the test, a sample of blood is drawn from a vein in the arm and collected in a test tube or vial. This collected blood sample then goes to the laboratory for testing.
There are no major risks associated with HbA1c test. One may simply feel a slight sting when the needle is inserted. Certain people also might have slight bruising at the spot where the needle was inserted.
Today people have the option to visit a laboratory or clinic for blood tests, or avail of home blood sample collection services. The latter option has especially gained popularity in recent years, with the home HbA1c testprice becoming more cost-effective with every passing day.
Getting HbA1c Test Done at Home
The biggest advantage of HbA1c test is the convenience. In the fast-paced world of today, a lot of people lead too busy lives and find it hard to take time to visit a healthcare facility to give their blood samples. Thankfully, with home blood collection services, one can have their blood samples collected right from their home, at the time and day of their convenience. This facility especially comes as a huge benefit for people who have a hectic schedule, live in remote areas, or deal with mobility issues.
The cost-effectiveness of the home blood collection process is also a huge benefit. The cost of visiting a blood testing laboratory for a blood check-up can be high due to factors like transportation costs, consultation fees, and more. In comparison, the home hba c test price is far more affordable.
HbA1c test is commonly used to diagnose diabetes or prediabetes. Unlike fasting blood glucose tests, HbA1c testing does not require individuals to fast before the test. Today home blood sample collection services are available for such tests.
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