HbA1c
Description
- Below 5.7% - Normal value
- 5.7 -6.4 – pre diabetes
- 6.5 -7 % Good control
- 7-8% Fair control
- 8-10 – Unsatisfactory control
- >10% Poor control
Clinical significance
- HbA1c is glycosylated haemoglobin also called as glycated haemoglobin, are post transitional modification of haemoglobin formed by non enzymatic addition of a sugar residue to haemoglobin beta chain.
- Formation of Glycosylated haemoglobin is essentially irreversible and the blood level depends on both the life span of red blood cells ( average 120 days ) and blood glucose concentration . Glycohaemoglobin test gives the average blood glucose level over the previous 6-8 weeks.
- HbA1C tests gives an overview to assess long term control , it can be used as a risk factor for development of tissue complications, helps in Differentiating stress induced transient glucose intolerance from true diabetes and most useful in evaluating the initial 1-2 months of diabetic control in a newly pregnant diabetic female .
- Higher the percentage of HbA1C greater the complications like Retinopathy , Neuropathy , Nephropathy , Proteinurea , Gangrene , Ischaemic heart disease.
When to get tested
- When there is s/s of Hyperglycemia( Increased thirst and drinking fluids , increased Urination, Increased Appetite, Fatigue , blurred Vision , Slow healing Infections)
- Adults who are overweight with additional risk factors viz. Physical inactivity, High Blood pressure, abnormal lipid panel, h/o cardio vascular diseases)
Elevated level
- Poorly controlled Diabetes mellitus
- False increased values are seen in Chronic renal failure with or without haemodialysis, iron deficiency anaemia, Spleenectomy , lead and opiate toxicity
Decreased level
- False decreased results in haemolytic anaemia, acute or chronic blood loss, after transfusion, ingestion of large amounts (>1 gm/day) of Vitamin C or E.
Profile
Diabetes
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