What is the Purpose of taking an HbA1c Blood Test?
This blood test is known for screening or diagnosing these two particular conditions:
1.) Type 2 Diabetes - An individual who has contracted Type 2 Diabetes, which happens when the glucose present in the blood becomes very high due to the body not creating as much insulin for the blood to keep on moving the blood sugar into their cells. It can also occur whenever the cells stop responding to the insulin being pumped through your body.
2.) Prediabetes - This condition happens when the blood glucose in your body is considered to be high by medical standards, but not yet reaching the borderline definition of Diabetes just yet. The best course of action to prevent further spread of pediabetes in the body is through a shift in lifestyle changes, such as eating much healthier foods regularly and maintaining a proper schedule of exercise for the body to grow at a nominal rate. This has a chance of improving the quality of life of anyone who might be suffering from prediabetes turning into type-2 diabetes.
When should I take this test?
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), taking the HbA1c blood test is always recommended to test for any diabetic or prediabetic conditions if they are under any of these categories:
If you are above the age of 45 -
- In the case of any normal results, taking an HbA1c blood test should be around every 3 years or so.
- In case your blood samples show some signs of prediabetes, the tests should be taken almost every year or every 2 years at max.
- If the results for the blood test outright show signs of diabetes, a test needs to be taken twice a year to keep a close look at the body's reaction to said tests.
If you are below the age of 45 -
- Already have prediabetes present in the body.
- Having obesity or an overweight body.
- Suffering from heart disease or a type of stroke.
- A lot less active in a week, only working out 3 times.
- Having very high levels of cholesterol present in the body.
What usually happens during an HbA1c blood test?
The test starts when a medical practitioner takes a small blood sample from one of your arm's veins and puts put into a very small and sterile test tube for further testing.
The entire process is expected to take less than 5 minutes in total and the patient will only feel a slight prick in the arm when the blood is being taken.
What is required of you to prepare for this test, and what are the risks that come with this test?
- There is nothing notable that is needed for the preparation of this test and there are almost no risks that you may receive when taking this blood test.
- The only sensation you may feel is a slight prick on the arm and a sumbling sensation that goes away after a minute or so.
What do the results of the test mean?
The test results are meant to show how much glucose percentage is present in the hemoglobin. The percentages are used to showcase what is defined as the norm for taking the test in the first place, and this is all dependent on the health, age, and several other factors. in order to properly diagnose diabetes, This is the percentage chart that should be used.
- Normal Range - The A1c levels should be lower than 5.7%.
- Prediabetes - percentages that are at least 5.7% to 6.4% fall under this category.
- Diabetes - A1c levels that exceed 6.5% should fall under the diabetic category.
There are some medical providers who are able to provide more tests that can help diagnose diabetes. In case the test results come back higher than anticipated, going for another A1c test can help clarify the percentage of blood sugar present in the blood. Be sure to talk to your medical provider about the results of the blood test and whether another test is necessary for further elaboration.
Is there anything else that needs to be known regarding the HbA1c test?
It is important to note that the A1c test only focuses on Prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, and that having certain conditions, such as anemia and other specific types of blood disorders, an A1c blood test may not always be accurate in the diagnosis of diabetes. individuals who have kidney and liver failure can also affect the process of the A1c test. In such cases, a medical professional may ask the individual to take different tests for both prediabetes and diabetes.
Conclusion
Taking the HbA1c blood test is recommended by every major healthcare provider, as it is a vital test that can measure the amount of glucose present in the hemoglobin of the blood. This is a test that is meant for everyone, regardless of what conditions they might be having. This can also give doctors and medical professionals great knowledge of a patient's current status. With the correct lifestyle choices and medical practices taken daily, keeping a very healthy amount of A1c levels in the body is very easy to manage and maintain.
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