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Why is HbA1c Test Essential for Diabetic & Prediabetic Patients?

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Why is HbA1c Test Essential for Diabetic & Prediabetic Patients?

Diabetes is a globally endemic disease with a rapidly increasing prevalence in both developing and developed countries. Glucose irreversibly binds to hemoglobin in red blood cells and forms HbA1c. Higher the glucose, the higher the HbA1c. Therefore, the American Diabetes Association has recommended glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) as a possible substitute for fasting blood sugar in diagnosing diabetes. For an early consultation, you can talk to the best online doctor via telemedicine. Then, book a tele appointment with a doctor to get expert medical advice at home.

Significance of the HbA1c Test for the Diagnosis of Diabetes 

 An HbA1c test can be used to detect diabetes or prediabetes in adults. Prediabetes means that your blood sugar levels indicate a risk of developing diabetes. If you are already diagnosed with diabetes, an HbA1c test can help check your condition and monitor blood sugar levels. Get medical consultation from the best online doctor now! 

When Should You be Screened for Diabetes?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults over 45 be screened for diabetes and prediabetes. The HBA1C test should be repeated every three years even If the results are normal. It is better to talk to the best online doctor about what you can do to reduce your risk of diabetes. 

Risk factors for diabetes

For people under 45 years of age may need this test if they have certain risk factors, including: 

  •  Overweight or obesity 
  •  High blood pressure 
  •  History of heart disease 
  •  Physical inactivity 

If the results are positive and you are prediabetic. The test should be done more frequently. An HbA1c test is also required on an urgent basis if there are symptoms of increased thirst, increased urination, blurred vision, and Fatigue. If you are facing these symptoms, make a tele appointment with a doctor as soon as possible!

How is the HbA1c Test Performed? 

 A healthcare expert will use a needle to draw a small amount of blood as a sample from a vein in your arm, which will be collected in a tube or vial. It usually takes less than five minutes. 

Required Preparation for The HbA1c Test? 

No special preparation is required for an HbA1c test. Unlike fasting or post-meal blood glucose tests, an HbA1c test does not require any special preparation. You don't need to fast. You can take a test sample at any time of the day. For instance, you are not sure and need more information, book a tele Appointment with a doctor.

Are there any Risks in the Test? 

The risk of a blood test is minimal. You may feel slight pain or bruise at the injection site, but most symptoms will quickly disappear.

What do the Results Suggest? 

Results for HbA1c are given as a percentage. Typical results are shown below. 

 Normal: HbA1c less than 5.7% 

 Prediabetic: HbA1c between 5.7% and 6.4% 

 Diabetic: HbA1c 6.5% or more 

The results may mean something different. If you have any questions about the effects, ask your doctor. For diabetic patients, the American Diabetes Association recommends keeping HbA1c below 7%. However, your best online doctor may give you different advice depending on your general health, age, weight, and other factors. 

 Consult the best online doctor to get more information on laboratory tests, reference ranges, and understanding of results.

Non-Applicable Conditions for HbA1c Test? 

The HbA1c test cannot be used for gestational diabetes, a type of diabetes that only affects pregnant women or diagnoses diabetes in children. In addition, even if you have anemia or a different kind of blood disorder, an HbA1c test may be less accurate in diagnosing diabetes. So, if you have any of these conditions and are at risk for diabetes, your best online doctor may recommend other tests. 

COVID-19 and HbA1c

The entire pandemic situation has made diabetes control more critical than ever for people with diabetes. HbA1c gives you a first impression of how good your blood sugar level has been over the past 23 months. Need to get tested and don't know when to do it? Get a tele appointment with a doctor.

Our health experts are available for you around the clock in the MY LIVE DOCTORS app if you need medical help! 

MY LIVE DOCTORS is an integrated telemedicine program that offers online counseling from home. MLD features include patient profile, EMR, remote monitoring, and electronic prescribing. 

Make a tele appointment with the doctor. 

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