For anyone managing diabetes or monitoring their health, the HbA1c test is an essential tool. Unlike daily blood sugar readings, this test provides an average of your blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. It’s not just a diagnostic tool; it’s a vital part of diabetes management, offering insights into long-term blood sugar control.
Managing diabetes effectively also involves adopting sustainable lifestyle changes and a validated diabetes management program. One such program offered by Fitterfly goes beyond just tracking sugar levels. They combine expert guidance on nutrition, fitness, and emotional well-being to help you maintain a healthy HbA1c range.
In this blog, we’ll look at what HbA1c is, why it matters, and practical tips to keep it within normal limits.
What is HbA1c?
The HbA1c test measures glycated hemoglobin—the hemoglobin in your blood coated with glucose. The higher your blood sugar levels, the more hemoglobin is coated. Because red blood cells last about 120 days, the HbA1c test reflects an average of your blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months.
This test helps diagnose diabetes and monitor its progression. Based on HbA1c results:
Below 5.7%: Normal
5.7% to 6.4%: Prediabetes
6.5% or greater: Diabetes
What is a Good HbA1c to Target for Diabetes?
For diabetic patients, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends the target HbA1c to be below 7%. But again, they vary according to age, presence of comorbidity, and complications. A slightly higher target is acceptable for older adults or those with other chronic conditions. Talk to your doctor about what HbA1c would be your targeted value.
What is a Dangerous Level of HbA1c?
There is no single “hazardous” value. These repeatedly high values (above 8.5%) represent poor blood sugar control. This increases danger when combined with symptoms such as thirst, urination, or fatigue. Severe complications from high HbA1c levels include:
- Diabetic Ketoacidosis
- Nerve Damage (Neuropathy)
- Kidney Damage (Nephropathy)
- Vision Problems (Retinopathy)
- Heart Attack or Stroke
Treatments for high HbA1c levels must be addressed early to avoid preventing long-term complications.
When Not to Rely on an HbA1c Test
An HbA1c test is invalid under the following conditions:
- Hemoglobin Disorders: High levels of disorders such as sickle cell anemia or thalassemia will make the test undetectable.
- Pregnancy: The HbA1c test is less reliable during pregnancy; fasting blood sugar or oral glucose tolerance tests are preferred.
- Hemoglobin Variants: The test is unreliable for populations with alternative hemoglobin forms, especially in northeastern regions of India.
In these instances, physicians may prescribe other tests like fructosamine, a 6-week blood sugar average, or self-monitoring techniques.
Ways to Keep HbA1c Levels within the Normal Range
If your HbA1c levels are elevated, then these suggestions can help to bring them back to a healthy range:
- Lifestyle Changes
- Healthy Diet: Switch on the consumption of whole grains and instead emphasize lean proteins high-fiber greens; avoid refined sugars and processed foods.
- Physical Activity: Exercise regularly. It increases the level of sensitivity to insulin and hence reduces blood sugar. Examples include walking, cycling, and swimming.
- Stress Management: Yoga and meditation help to keep the blood sugar in check by managing stress well.
- Track Your Levels
Maintenance of HbA1c will reveal improvements done
Daily fluctuations can be caught with the SMBG (Self-monitoring of blood glucose) or CGM (Continuous Glucose Monitoring).
- Follow Medical Advice
Maintain an appropriate treatment plan and medicines as recommended by a physician.
Regular follow-ups ensure adjustments to your treatment plan.
Limitations of HbA1c Tests
Though HbA1c is an excellent tool, it’s not without its limitations:
- False Results: Certain conditions, such as anemia or hemoglobin disorders, can give skewed results.
- Short-Term Changes: HbA1c fails to reflect the short-term changes in blood sugar levels, which is why daily monitoring is also crucial.