HbA1C Test | 20 Mar 2024

Source: TH

India faces a significant diabetes burden, accounting for 17% of global cases. The Haemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) test, also known as the glycated haemoglobin or glycosylated haemoglobin test, plays a crucial role in early detection and management.

The HbA1C test provides a 2-3 month average of blood glucose levels by measuring sugar-coated red blood cells, offering comprehensive long-term control assessment.
- Unlike fasting and post-meal tests, it remains unaffected by recent meals, ensuring reliability.
- An Hb1A1C below 5.7% is considered normal; between 5.7 and 6.4% may indicate you are pre-diabetic; and 6.5% or higher can indicate diabetes.
  - Factors such as kidney or liver failure, anaemia, certain medications, and pregnancy can influence the test results.
India has 10.13 crore people with diabetes and 13.6 crore pre-diabetic individuals. Over 35% of Indians suffer from hypertension and nearly 40% from abdominal obesity, both risk factors for diabetes.
The test is not a standalone diagnostic tool and may be used alongside other tests for a comprehensive assessment.