Blood Tests

HbA1c - Glycosylated Haemoglobin Test - Complete Guide

HbA1c (Glycosylated Hemoglobin) measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. It's the gold standard for diabetes diagnosis and monitoring, showing how well blood sugar has been controlled over time.

🎯 Why This Test Matters

With diabetes affecting millions globally, HbA1c is crucial for early detection and management. Unlike daily glucose tests, it provides a comprehensive picture of blood sugar control, helping prevent serious complications like kidney disease, blindness, and heart problems.

🏥 Clinical Context

Essential for diabetes management in urban populations where lifestyle factors like stress, processed foods, and sedentary behavior contribute to rising diabetes rates. Critical for pre-diabetes detection and preventing progression to Type 2 diabetes.

✅ When Recommended

  • Adults over 45 years (every 3 years if normal)
  • People with risk factors for diabetes
  • Diabetic patients (every 3-6 months)
  • Pre-diabetic individuals for monitoring
  • During pregnancy if gestational diabetes is suspected

❌ When Not Recommended

  • People with certain blood disorders (sickle cell disease)
  • Recent blood transfusion recipients
  • Those with severe anemia

📋 Test Preparation

No fasting required. You can eat normally before the test. This is one of the advantages of HbA1c over fasting glucose tests.

📊 Understanding Your Results

Normal: <5.7%, Pre-diabetes: 5.7-6.4%, Diabetes: ≥6.5%. For diabetics, target is usually <7% but may vary based on individual circumstances.

Normal Ranges:

Normal: <5.7%, Pre-diabetes: 5.7-6.4%, Diabetes: ≥6.5%

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

How is HbA1c different from daily glucose testing?

HbA1c shows average blood sugar over 2-3 months, while daily tests show current levels. HbA1c gives a better overall picture of diabetes control.

Can medications affect HbA1c results?

Some medications and conditions can affect results. Iron deficiency, kidney disease, and certain blood disorders may influence HbA1c levels.

How often should diabetics get HbA1c tested?

Diabetics should test every 3-6 months depending on blood sugar control. Well-controlled patients may test every 6 months.

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Test Information

Category:Blood Tests
Labs Available:71 labs
Starting Price:₹211.00

Labs Offering This Test

Tenet Diagnostics - Jayanagar
jayanagar
₹211.00
Medall Diagnostics - Jayanagar
jayanagar
₹217.00
Preccare Diagnostics - Mahadevpura
Mahadevpura
₹244.00
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