What is the HbA1c test and why should one get it
The HbA1c or hemoglobin test measures the blood sugar or glucose amount attached to the hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the part of the red blood cells that takes oxygen from the lungs to the rest of your body. This blood test will let you know how well you are controlling your diabetes. To learn more about the HbA1c test, see below.
Why do you require an HbA1c test?
The CDC or Center for Disease Control suggests adults who are above 45 years old need to have the HbA1c test to check for prediabetic and diabetic conditions. In case your results come out normal, you need to have this test every three years. On the other hand, if the results show that you are diabetic, you must test every one or two years.
If you are less than 45 years old, you need to have the HbA1c test for the following reasons.
- If you have high blood pressure.
- If you are inactive physically.
- Being obese or overweight
- If you are physically inactive.
When do you need the HbA1c test?
Your doctor will ask you to have the HbA1c test when you are diagnosed with diabetes. In addition, they may also ask you to get the test done if they think you are at risk of diabetes. The test will let you know whether your blood sugar levels are being controlled well.
You will require the HbA1c test depending on the following reasons.
- The kind of diabetes you suffer from
- Your control of blood sugar
- Your plan of treatment
You may need the test if you start to have a new medicine. It is not a fasting test, so you can take it at any particular time of the day.
Conclusion
If you need to have the HbA1c test, you can contact Dr. Ankit Shah in Mumbai.