HbA1C testing (haemoglobin A1C testing) is a special blood test that shows the person’s average blood sugar levels over the past two or three months.
Glucose is sugar in the blood, which comes from the food items you eat. The cells require glucose, turning it into energy. However, insulin, a hormone, must help the glucose enter the cells. Those with diabetes can’t make enough insulin, or the body doesn’t use it effectively. Therefore, the glucose doesn’t go into the cells, causing blood sugar levels to skyrocket.
The glucose in the blood will stick to the haemoglobin, which is a protein found in red blood cells. More of the haemoglobin is coated with glucose when your blood sugar levels increase. HbA1C testing will determine the percentage of red blood cells with glucose-coated haemoglobin on them.
What Does HbA1C Testing Show?
A1C tests show average glucose levels over the past three months. This happens because:
- Red blood cells only live for about three months.
- The glucose will stick to the haemoglobin as long as your red blood cells are alive.
Higher A1C levels can indicate elevated blood glucose because of diabetes. This condition can lead to serious health issues, such as nerve damage, kidney disease, and heart disease.
Why Do You Require HbA1C Testing?
If you’re over 45 years old, you might want to consider A1C testing for prediabetes and diabetes if:
- Test results are normal (repeating testing every three years)
- Results indicate you have diabetes (get tested twice per year)
- Your results indicate prediabetes (you’re tested once a year)
Those who are overweight, have prediabetes, aren’t physically active, or have high blood pressure may want to get an A1C test done.
Conclusion – Why HbA1C Testing Is Critical
HbA1C testing is crucial for those who have prediabetes and other health concerns. Most doctors offer these tests. They may have come from Trinity Biotech, which manufactures and markets various diagnostic kits.
Do you need HbA1C testing? Learn more about what it is, why you’ll require it, and which company might manufacture it in this short article.
