WHAT IS THE HbA1c TEST?
The HbA1c test is a blood test that provides information about a person’s average levels of blood glucose, also called blood sugar, over the past 3 months. The HbA1c test is sometimes called the haemoglobin HbA1c, or glycohemoglobin test. The HbA1c test is the primary test used for diabetes management and diabetes research. The HbA1c test is just one of the many tests carried out by the Pharma Wellness Program.
HOW DOES THE A1C TEST WORK?
The A1C test is based on the attachment of glucose to haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. In the body, red blood cells are constantly forming and dying, but typically they live for about 3 months. Thus, the HbA1c test reflects the average of a person’s blood glucose levels over the past 3 months. The HbA1c test result is reported as a percentage. The higher the percentage, the higher a person’s blood glucose levels have been. A normal HbA1c level is below 5.7 percent.
CAN THE A1C TEST BE USED TO DIAGNOSE TYPE 2 DIABETES AND PREDIABETES?
Yes. In 2009, an international expert committee recommended the HbA1c test as one of the tests available to help diagnose type 2 diabetes and prediabetes. Previously, only the traditional blood glucose tests were used to diagnose diabetes and prediabetes.
Because the HbA1c test does not require fasting and blood can be drawn for the test at any time of day, experts are hoping its convenience will allow more people to get tested—thus, decreasing the number of people with undiagnosed diabetes. However, some medical organizations continue to recommend using blood glucose tests for diagnosis.
HOW IS THE A1C TEST USED TO DIAGNOSE TYPE 2 DIABETES AND PREDIABETES?
The A1C test can be used to diagnose type 2 diabetes and prediabetes alone or in combination with other diabetes tests.
| Diagnosis* | A1C Level |
|---|---|
| Normal | below 5.7 percent |
| Prediabetes | 5.7 to 6.4 percent |
| Diabetes | 6.5 percent or above |
* Any test for diagnosis of diabetes requires confirmation with a second measurement unless there are clear symptoms of diabetes.
Having prediabetes is a risk factor for getting type 2 diabetes. People with prediabetes may be retested each year. Within the prediabetes A1C range of 5.7 to 6.4 percent, the higher the HbA1c, the greater the risk of diabetes. Those with prediabetes are likely to develop type 2 diabetes within 10 years, but they can take steps to prevent or delay diabetes.
Lennox Prescod, Health and Wellness Consultant
Pharma Wellness International Inc. © September 2020
