Glycosilated Haemoglobin ( HbA1C )

Hemoglobin A1c, also called A1c or glycated hemoglobin, is hemoglobin with glucose attached. The A1c test evaluates the average amount of glucose in the blood over the last 2 to 3 months by measuring the percentage of glycated (glycosylated) hemoglobin.

Hemoglobin is an oxygen-transporting protein found inside red blood cells (RBCs). There are several types of normal hemoglobin, but the predominant form ? about 95-98% ? is hemoglobin A. As glucose circulates in the blood, some of it spontaneously binds to hemoglobin A.

The higher the level of glucose in the blood, the more glycated hemoglobin is formed. Once the glucose binds to the hemoglobin, it remains there for the life of the red blood cell ? normally about 120 days. The predominant form of glycated hemoglobin is referred to as A1c. A1c is produced on a daily basis and slowly cleared from the blood as older RBCs die and younger RBCs (with non-glycated hemoglobin) take their place.

This test may be used to screen for and diagnose diabetes or risk of developing diabetes. Standards of medical care in diabetes from the American Diabetes Association (ADA) state that diabetes may be diagnosed based on A1c criteria or plasma glucose criteria, either the fasting plasma glucose (FPG) or the 2-hour plasma glucose value after a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).

This test is also used to monitor treatment for someone who has been diagnosed with diabetes. It helps to evaluate how well the person's glucose levels have been controlled by treatment over time. For monitoring purposes, an A1c of less than 7% indicates good glucose control and a lower risk of diabetic complications for the majority of diabetics.

Glycosilated Haemoglobin

Screening and diagnosis

HbA1c may be ordered as part of a health checkup or when someone is suspected of having diabetes because of classical signs or symptoms of increased blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia) such as:

• Increased thirst and drinking fluids
• Increased urination
• Increased appetite
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Slow-healing infections

The A1c test may also be considered in adults who are overweight with the following additional risk factors:

• Physical inactivity
• First-degree relative (sibling or parent) with diabetes
• High-risk race/ethnicity (e.g., African American, Latino, Native American, Asian American, Pacific Islander)
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Abnormal lipid profile (low HDL cholesterol and/or high triglycerides)
• Women with polycystic ovary syndrome
• History of cardiovascular diseases
• Other clinical conditions associated with insulin resistance

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends to begin HbA1c testing at age 45 for overweight or obese people; if the result is normal, the testing should be repeated at a minimum of 3-year intervals, with consideration of more frequent testing depending on initial results and risk status.

People who are not diagnosed with diabetes but are determined to be at increased risk for diabetes (prediabetes) should have HbA1c testing yearly.

Monitoring

Depending on the type of diabetes that a person has, how well that person's diabetes is controlled, and on the healthcare provider's recommendations, the A1c test may be measured 2 to 4 times each year. The ADA recommends A1c testing for diabetics at least twice a year if they are meeting treatment goals and under stable glycemic control. When someone is first diagnosed with diabetes or if control is not good, HbA1c may be ordered quarterly.

For diabetic people it is advised to undergo this test every 3 months to assess the treatment until they reach the set standard Hb1Ac levels in the body for diabetics. For diabetics who have managed to keep the HbA1c levels at par with the set standard can take this test every 6 months, to keep track of their success.

Diabetes

HbA1c is a simple blood test and fasting may not be required on the day of the testing itself. Also do inform the doctor about any particular medication you are on, as they might interfere with the test results.

HbA1c is a simple blood test and fasting may not be required on the day of the testing itself. Also do inform the doctor about any particular medication you are on, as they might interfere with the test results.

Glycated hemoglobin testing is recommended for both checking the blood sugar control in people who might be prediabetic and monitoring blood sugar control in patients with more elevated levels, termed diabetes mellitus.

There is very little risk to having a blood test. You may have slight pain or bruising at the spot where the needle was put in, but most symptoms go away quickly.

"iHealthMantra

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About Thyrocare

Thyrocare, with its tag line of Think Thyroid, Think Thyrocare, is India's first fully automated diagnostic laboratory with a focus on providing quality at affordable costs to retail customers, laboratories and hospitals in India and other countries. Thyrocare has strong focus on technology, brand and systems that enables Thyrocare laboratories to give their clients the best of science and technology at an affordable cost. Thyrocare laboratories have NABL and CAP accreditations. Thyrocare supports home sample collection to provide convenience to customers.Thyrocare is a PAN India chain with services across all the major Indian cities such New Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata.

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About Metropolis

Metropolis is India?s one of the biggest and multinational chain of pathology labs and diagnostics centre known for excellent customer satisfaction and preventive healthcare. Metropolis has following accreditations, CAP, NABL and RNTCP. Metropolis Healthcare has been honoured for its best practices and its commitment to excellence in customer satisfaction and innovation. The journey of Metropolis started in 1981, when its Founder and Chairman, Dr. Sushil Shah had a vision to introduce specialized testing facilities to the Indian population. Processing over 30 million tests a year, catering to over 20,000 Laboratories, Hospitals, Nursing Homes and 2,00,000 consultants; and with 34 years of experience in delivering accurate reports, Metropolis has earned the reputation of being India's multinational chain of laboratories with a strong presence in Sri Lanka, UAE, South Africa, Kenya, Mauritius & Ghana. Metropolis supports home sample collection to provide convenience to customers. Metropolis is a PAN India chain with services across all the major Indian cities such New Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Chennai and Hyderabad.

Common Tests supported by Metropolis are Lipid Profile, Thyroid Profile, Vitamin D Profile, Renal function test, Blood Tests, Vitamin D3, TSH, T3, T4, Diabetes Test, ECG test, thalassemia test, preventive health checkups, Regular Health check-up, Health checkup packages and Full body check up.

About Dr Lal Pathlabs

Dr Lal PathLabs is a leading Diagnostic Centre and Pathology Lab for Blood Test in India. Dr Lal PathLabs has a strong focus on quality with NABL accreditation. Dr Lal PathLabs has a qualified team of Pathologists, Radiologists, Microbiologists, Biochemists and specialists. Dr Lal PathLabs supports home sample collection to provide convenience to customers. Dr Lal PathLabs is a PAN India chain with services across all the major Indian cities such New Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata.

Common Tests supported by Dr Lal PathLabs are Lipid Profile, Thyroid Profile, Vitamin D Profile, Renal function test, Blood Tests, Vitamin D3, TSH, T3, T4, Diabetes Test, ECG test, thalassemia test, preventive health checkups, Regular Health check-up, Health checkup packages and Full body check up. Few unique health packages supported by Dr Lal PathLabs are Swasth Plus Basic Health Checkup, Swasth Plus Advanced Health Checkup and Swasth Plus Vitamins Package. "

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