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Hemoglobin A1c Test For Checking Diabetes

Hemoglobin A1c Test, or otherwise known as a glycated hemoglobin test helps in screening, detecting and monitoring diabetes in a person. It measures the average blood sugar in the previous three months to see if it has stayed within a target range or has increased/decreased. 

Here’s how this test works. Your red blood cells contain Hemoglobin, which allows cells to transport oxygen to tissues. As a cell ages, the hemoglobin becomes increasingly “glycated,” meaning that more glucose molecules stick to it. Higher glucose levels in the blood mean higher glycated hemoglobin, which translates into a greater HbA1c reading.

  • Normal HbA1c is 5% or less.
  • An HbA1c value above 7% means diabetes is poorly controlled.

People with Diabetes should aim for an HbA1c value below 7%.

You don’t need to fast or prepare for an HbA1c test. Ask your doctor how often you need to be tested. Doctors usually recommend every 3 to 6 months.

Keeping blood sugar under control has been proven to reduce risk of complications!

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