HbA1c (Hemoglobin A1C) Test For Diabetes and Blood Sugar Levels

The Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) Test is a simple blood test that measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 3 months. It's one of the most commonly used tests to diagnose prediabetes and diabetes.

 

HbA1c Test

Here are the basic details for HbA1c Test.

Also Known As	A1C Test, Glycated Hemoglobin Test
Type	Blood Test
Purpose	Measures Average Blood Sugar Levels
Sample Type	Blood
Preparation	No Special Preparation Required
Fasting	No
Gender	Unisex
Age-Group	All Ages
Normal Value	< 5.7 mg/dL
Reporting Time	1 - 2 hours
Cost	300 - 600* INR

*Price range may vary as per location, lab type, and procedure of lab test.

 

HbA1c Test Means

• The HbA1c test is a blood test that measures the average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months.
• The test is also known as the glycated hemoglobin test or A1c test.
• The higher the HbA1c level, the greater the risk of developing diabetes-related complications.
• The HbA1c level is expressed as a percentage, with a normal range of 4 - 5.6%.
• The test is commonly used to diagnose prediabetes and diabetes and to monitor the effectiveness of diabetes treatment.

Interesting Facts About Blood Glucose Levels

• Blood glucose levels fluctuate throughout the day.
• Insulin helps regulate blood glucose by promoting its uptake.
• High blood glucose can lead to diabetes complications.
• Low blood glucose can cause hypoglycemia symptoms.
• Regular monitoring helps maintain stable blood glucose levels.

 

HbA1c Test Purpose

• To monitor blood sugar control in people with diabetes over the past 2-3 months.
• To diagnose type 2 diabetes and prediabetes in individuals who are at risk or have symptoms.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of diabetes treatments and make necessary adjustments.
• To assess the risk of developing diabetes or complications in individuals who have risk factors such as obesity, family history, or gestational diabetes.

 

 

HbA1c Test Preparation

Here is HbA1c Test Preparation.

 

Before the test

• Follow any instructions given by the healthcare provider regarding fasting or dietary restrictions before the test.
• Inform the healthcare provider about any medications or supplements being taken, as they may affect the test results.

 

During the test

• A blood sample will be taken, usually from a vein in the arm.

 

After the test

• No special preparations are needed after the test.

Summary

Before an HbA1c test, follow heathcare providers instructions and information about medications, and no special precautions are needed after the test.

 

HbA1c Test Procedure

Here is the basic procedure of the HbA1c test:

• The HbA1c test is a simple blood test that can be done at any time of the day, without any special preparation or fasting.
• The healthcare provider will use a needle to draw a small sample of blood from a vein in your arm.
• The blood sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.
• The test measures the percentage of hemoglobin molecules that have glucose attached to them, which is an indicator of your average blood sugar level over the past 2-3 months.
• The results of the test are usually available within a few days, and your healthcare provider will discuss the results with you and what they mean for your health.

 

HbA1c Test Result

• The HbA1c test measures the percentage of hemoglobin in the blood that has bonded with glucose over the past 2-3 months.
• Results are reported as a percentage, with higher numbers indicating a higher average blood sugar level over the past few months.
• A result of less than 5.7% is considered normal, while a result of 5.7% to 6.4% may indicate prediabetes.
• A result of 6.5% or higher is typically used to diagnose diabetes.
• The results can be used to help monitor blood sugar levels and adjust treatment plans as needed to help prevent complications of diabetes.

 

HbA1c Test Report

HbA1c Test Report PDF

 

HbA1c Test Normal Report

HbA1c Test Normal Report PDF

Normal HbA1c Test Report

 

HbA1c Test Abnormal Report

HbA1c Test Abnormal Report PDF

Abnormal HbA1c Test Report

 

HbA1c Test Normal Value

Here is the HbA1c test normal values.

HbA1c Level	Average Blood Sugar Level
Below 5.7%	Below 117 mg/dL
5.7%-6.4%	117-137 mg/dL
6.5% or higher	Over 137 mg/dL

 

HbA1c Test Interpretation

Here is information on the HbA1c test interpretation.

HbA1c Level	Interpretation
<5.7%	Normal
5.7% to 6.4%	Prediabetes (increased risk)
≥6.5%	Diabetes (confirmed diagnosis)

 

Specimen Requirments For HbA1c Test

Here are the specimen requirements for HbA1c Test.

Specimen	Whole Blood
Volume	2.5 mL
Container	4ml Lavender top tube

 

HbA1c Test High Levels

Here are the potential High HbA1c levels causes.

High HbA1c Causes	Description
Poorly controlled diabetes	High blood sugar levels over an extended period due to inadequate diabetes management
Insulin resistance	A condition where cells do not respond effectively to insulin, resulting in elevated blood sugar levels
Pancreatic disorders	Diseases or damage to the pancreas, such as pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer, can affect insulin production and lead to high blood sugar
Certain medications	Some medications, such as corticosteroids and diuretics, can affect blood sugar levels
Chronic kidney disease	The kidneys play a vital role in regulating blood sugar levels. When they don't function correctly, it can cause high blood sugar levels

 

HbA1c Test Low Levels

Here are the potential Low HbA1c levels causes.

Low HbA1c Causes	Description
Iron-deficiency anemia	A condition where there is a lack of iron in the body, which can affect the formation of hemoglobin and HbA1c levels
Blood loss	Significant blood loss due to injury, surgery, or menstruation can reduce the number of red blood cells in the body and affect HbA1c levels
Sickle cell anemia	A genetic condition where the shape of red blood cells is abnormal, which can affect their lifespan and the accuracy of HbA1c measurements
Thalassemia	A group of genetic disorders that affect the production of hemoglobin, which can result in low HbA1c levels
Kidney disease	In rare cases, kidney disease can affect the formation and lifespan of red blood cells, leading to low HbA1c levels

Summary

High HbA1c levels indicate poor blood sugar control and a risk for diabetes complications, while low levels may be an indicator of hypoglycemia or tight glucose control.

 

HbA1c Test is Safe?

• HbA1c test is generally safe and considered a low-risk procedure.
• Like any blood test, it may cause some mild discomfort or bruising at the site where the needle was inserted.
• In rare cases, some people may experience dizziness or fainting during or after the test.

 

When Do You Get Thyroid HbA1c Test Results?

• The HbA1c test results are typically available within a 1 - 2 hours after the blood sample is collected.
• The specific timeline for receiving the results may depend on the healthcare provider or testing facility used.

 

HbA1c Test Limitation

Here are some possible limitations of the HbA1c Test.

• May not reflect recent changes in blood glucose levels.
• Limited accuracy in certain medical conditions (e.g., anemia).
• Variations in test methods and laboratory standards.
• Potential for false results in the presence of certain genetic variants.
• Not suitable for diagnosing or monitoring gestational diabetes.

 

HbA1c Test Risk Factors

Here is the potential risk factor of the HbA1c Test.

• Inaccuracy in individuals with certain medical conditions or hemoglobin variants.
• Variability due to factors such as anemia, iron deficiency, or kidney disease.
• Limited utility in certain populations, such as pregnant women or children.
• Risk of false results due to laboratory or testing errors.
• Interference from certain medications or conditions affecting red blood cell turnover.

 

Doctor Recommendations After HbA1c Test Result

Here are Doctor recommendations or consult a specialist after HbA1c Test.

HbA1c Test Result	Doctor to Visit	Reason to Go to Doctor
High	Endocrinologist	Diabetes management
Normal	Primary Care Doctor	Routine follow-up
Low	Primary Care Doctor	Investigate potential causes

 

HbA1c Test Price

Here are the estimated HbA1c Test Price in India with different top cities:

City	Price Range (INR)*
Mumbai	300 - 600
New Delhi	400 - 600
Bangalore	400 - 600
Hyderabad	300 - 600
Kolkata	400 - 600
Pune	400 - 600
Lucknow	300 - 600
Noida	400 - 600
Surat	300 - 600
Gurugram	400 - 600
Patna	300 - 600
Chennai	400 - 600
Jaipur	300 - 600
Ahmedabad	400 - 600

*Prices are approximate and vary depending on a specific laboratory or healthcare facility.

 

Summary

Overall, Regular HbA1c testing is important for monitoring and managing blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes and can help prevent long-term complications. Also check Drlogy Test for detailed information about all medical tests for patients, doctors, scholers and medical students.

 

Reference

• American Diabetes Association. A1C and eAG [1].
• What is HbA1c? - Definition, Units, Conversion, Testing [2].