Diabetes Risk
Knowing whether you are at risk of diabetes helps you to take the necessary steps early on. You can make the required changes in your lifestyle, like eating healthy, losing weight, exercising etc., and prevent this illness and other risks like stroke, heart disease, kidney disorders or nerve damage. To confirm whether you are at risk, doctors recommend the HbA1c test.
What is HbA1c?
The HbA1c test shows your average blood sugar levels for the last 2-3 months. It is the main test used for diagnosing diabetes.
Sugar enters your blood from the food you eat. Your cells use it for energy. But if your sugar levels increase in the blood when it is not used by your cells or when your body makes less insulin, they stick to the haemoglobin in your blood. When the blood sugar levels increase, more haemoglobin is attached to sugar. The HbA1c test measures these sugar-coated haemoglobin levels.
How is this test done?
It is a simple test where a blood sample is taken from your finger or arm. You do not need to fast for this test. It would help if you have got this test done by a registered practitioner.
What do the test results say?
The below table mentions the test result ranges and what they mean.
HbA1c test result range Interpretation Significance
Below 5.7% Normal It means your blood sugar is normal and you do not have any risk of developing diabetes
5.7 to 6.4% Prediabetes This means that you have slightly high blood sugar levels and you are at risk of developing diabetes
6.5% or more Diabetes This result means you have diabetes and you need to follow your doctor’s recommendations
How often should this test be done?
Based on your condition, the frequency of this test varies.
Condition Frequency of test
Prediabetes About once every year
Type 2 diabetes with blood sugar levels in a healthy range and no requirement for insulin About two times a year
Type 1 diabetes 3-4 times every year
In case of a change of medication or other treatment As required
Who needs to take this test?
There are conditions that put you at high risk of diabetes and require you to take this test
at regular intervals. These conditions are:
• A family (parents or siblings) history of type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure or high cholesterol
• Obesity
• Stroke or heart problems
• Less physical activity, exercising less than three times a week
• A history of gestational diabetes (diabetes at the time of pregnancy)
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome
• Sleep disorders
• Hormonal conditions
Conditions that affect the results of this test
The HbA1c test could give false results in the case of the following:
• Anaemia or other haemoglobin-related diseases
• Few medicines like vitamins C and E supplements, pain killers like opioids etc.
• Kidney disorders
• Liver disorders
• Pregnancy
• High cholesterol levels
• Loss of blood or transfusion
Diabetes is a serious condition that could cause other complications like heart problems, kidney disorders or nervous disorders. It is necessary to know whether you are at risk of diabetes. A simple HbA1c test can help you and your healthcare provider to decide on your treatment plans and medications. Know more about your Medicines at Medkart, which is an online pharmacy platform that makes buying medicines convenient & cost-effective. To place your orders, download the app today!
FAQs
1. Is there a test that tells if you are at risk of having diabetes?
Yes. HbA1c is a basic test that helps to determine if you are at risk of diabetes or if you have prediabetes or diabetes.
2. Can I do HbA1c test at home?
No. You need to get this test done with a registered medical practitioner.
3. Does this test require fasting?
No. The HbA1c test does not require you to fast, but if you are taking any other test along with it, you might need to fast. Please consult your doctor about this.
4. When can you say your result is normal?
If your HbA1c test results are below 5.7%, then your result is normal, and you are not at risk of having diabetes.
