HbA1c
Types
- 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...
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
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.
