Understanding HbA1c testing

What is HbA1c testing?

Also called glycated haemoglobin testing or A1c testing, HbA1c testing is an important tool used in the detection and management of diabetes. A HbA1c test measures a patient's average glucose levels, providing information that routine blood sugar tests may miss, making regular testing an important priority for both healthcare professionals and patients in the ongoing research and treatment of diabetes. Here at Salient Bio we are at the forefront of innovation when it comes to our pathology services and microbiome analysis. Our pathology services cover blood pathology, stool testing and immunity testing with a wide range of markers. If you have any questions or would like to know more about the services we provide, then please do contact us.

Haemoglobin is the name of a protein present in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body's cells. When glucose enters the bloodstream, it can bind to haemoglobin, created what is known as glycated haemoglobin. As more glucose is introduced into the bloodstream, more glycated haemoglobin is formed, increasing the possibility of diabetes related complications. For individuals who already have diabetes, a high HbA1c reading could indicate the condition is not effectively under control. The HbA1c test is done covering the last three months as red blood cells typically regenerate every two to three months.

How an HbA1c Test is Administered

The HbA1c test itself is a simple blood test that can be performed at any time of the day and unlike daily glucose tests, does not require any special preparation such as fasting. The results are normally shown as a percentage, with a higher percentage indicating insufficient blood glucose control and could warrant further treatment or investigation. The test can be done as a venous blood test or a finger prick capillary blood test. Patients can do this at home.

The Benefits of Regular HbA1c Testing

Long-Term Blood-Glucose Level Monitoring

The main benefit of HbA1c testing is that it provides a long-term view of an individual's blood glucose levels. Daily blood sugar tests can indicate immediate fluctuations, but a HbA1c test provides a wider perspective. This information is crucial in the detection of diabetes, and the ongoing monitoring and treatment of the condition over time.

Diabetes Detection

High HbA1c readings in a patient without a diabetes diagnosis can indicate a condition known as prediabetes. This condition is present when glucose levels are high enough to be classed as abnormal, but not yet high enough for a diabetes diagnosis. For those at risk, the HbA1c test can act as an early warning, presenting an opportunity for lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise adjustments, potentially preventing the onset of full diabetes.

Personalised Treatment

HbA1c testing allows healthcare professionals to adjust treatment plans based on how well a patient is managing their blood glucose levels. If HbA1c levels are high, it may indicate the need for changes in medication, diet, or exercise. Conversely, consistently low HbA1c levels might lead to a reduction in medication or other interventions.

Reducing the Risk of Complications and Other Conditions

Maintaining healthy blood glucose levels can potentially reduce the risk of conditions and diabetes-related complications such as kidney damage, cardiovascular disease or nerve damage. Regular HbA1c testing and monitoring reduces these risks, as having regular insight about a patient's blood glucose can influence treatment plans and indicate when a change may need to be made.

HbA1c testing is an invaluable tool in the ongoing detection, treatment and monitoring of diabetes. Providing insight about a patient's long-term blood glucose levels helps to reduce the risk of complications, detect the condition early and can contribute to personalised treatment plans. Regular testing is hugely beneficial for both the patient and healthcare professional, ultimately leading to more efficient treatment and an improved quality of life.

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Clinical Review: The information on this page has been reviewed for clinical accuracy by Dr. Marta Ciechonska Ph.D, microbiologist.