Diabetes Management - Long Term Complications Of Diabetes And HbA1C Values!

The A1C test throws light on a person’s average blood glucose level for a stretch of 3 months. It goes by the name of HbA1C, glycohemoglobin or haemoglobin A1c test. This is the only test that is used for research and effective diabetes management.

How does it work?
The A1C measures the attachment of glucose to the haemoglobin. The latter is a protein that carries oxygen to all parts of the body. The RBC in the body keeps dying and regenerating. But, on an average, stays in the body for 3 months. Hence the A1C test tries to measure the count of glucose for 3 months to get a right count of the glucose. This is measured in terms of percentage, normal being less than 5.7 percent.

Can A1C measure type 2 pre-diabetes and diabetes?
In the year 2009, a group of scientists from the International Expert Committee suggested that it is entirely possible to detect type 2 diabetes. Earlier, only the blood glucose test could detect the pre-diabetes and diabetes. Since A1C test does not require fasting and can be undertaken at any time of the day, more and more people can undertake this test and refrain from the risk of undetected diabetes.

Why is testing required?
Testing is particularly essential since diabetes doesn’t show any early signs or symptoms. Testing ensures that diabetes is detected on time and unnecessary complications can be avoided. With right medicines, type 2 diabetes can even be prevented from occurring.

Has the test improved?
The A1C test has improved over the years. It has now been standardised. The accuracy of this test has been further increased by the National glycohemoglobin Standardisation Program. The major goal of the latter is to block the risk of getting complicated diseases such as blindness and diseases related to blood vessels.

A1C test be performed during pregnancy?
The A1C test can be performed during pregnancy to understand if a person had diabetes before becoming pregnant. Post the confirmation, OGTT is used to find out if a woman is suffering from gestational diabetes. Post the delivery, a woman should be tested to find out if the diabetes is persistent. The A1C test can be performed post 12 weeks of delivery rather than a blood glucose test to find out the persistence of diabetes in a pregnant woman.

A1C comes into play after detection of Diabetes?
The A1C test is used to monitor the glucose levels and detect the type 1 or type 2 diabetes to start with. Health care providers may ask a patient to undergo this test thrice to four times in a year. Based on the results of this test, medications of a patient is adjusted by a doctor. In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!