What is this test HB1AC?Why is it necessary even if BS levels are normal?

[sita]

[sikha]

I also want to know about HB!AC. What u say PEACE-7 about this blood test.

[Peace7 in reply to sikha]

Sikha, if you have not taken your HbA1C, please go for it and read the detailed explanation below, given by Mr. Venkataramana. Get the test done from a reputed pathological lab. so that you get accurate readings.

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The Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) Test for Diabetes

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Importance of Hemoglobin A1c Test

The hemoglobin A1c test -- also called HbA1c, glycated hemoglobin test, or glycohemoglobin -- is an important blood test used to determine how well your diabetes is being controlled. Hemoglobin A1c provides an average of your blood sugar control over a six to 12 week period and is used in conjunction with home blood sugar monitoring to make adjustments in your diabetes medicines.

Hemoglobin is a substance within red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout your body. When your diabetes is not controlled (meaning that your blood sugar is too high), sugar builds up in your blood and combines with your hemoglobin, becoming "glycated." Therefore, the average amount of sugar in your blood can be determined by measuring a hemoglobin A1c level. If your glucose levels have been high over recent weeks, your hemoglobin A1c test will be higher. The amount of hemoglobin A1c will reflect the last several weeks of blood sugar levels, typically encompassing a period of 120 days.

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What's a Normal Hemoglobin A1c Test?

For people without diabetes, the normal range for the hemoglobin A1c test is between 4% and 5.6%. Hemoglobin A1c levels between 5.7% and 6.4% indicate increased risk of diabetes, and levels of 6.5% or higher indicate diabetes. Because studies have repeatedly shown that out-of-control diabetes results in complications from the disease, the goal for people with diabetes is a hemoglobin A1c less than 7%. The higher the hemoglobin A1c, the higher the risks of developing complications related to diabetes.

People with diabetes should have this test every three months to determine whether their blood sugars have reached the target level of control. Those who have their diabetes under good control may be able to wait longer between the blood tests, but experts recommend checking at least 2 times a year.

[Gpsharma]

If monitoring day to day bs levels then no need of Hb1AC test .but. For safely masure it can be done .

[marsh9 in reply to Gpsharma]

TOTALLY WRONG. Please read the numerous informative and recomended remarks above.

[bapu12_fine]

i agree about the facts mentioned in the most informative article..but all the diabetics should not be panicky as people are enjoying life with it by following a strict life stlye and diet..there are so many alternative food varietties are available nowadays..one has to develop taste for the same..

[marsh9]

It is fortunate and extremly lucky that you are able to maintain such great control over your blood sugars, even during the monsoon season. And since you are "medfree" you are likely not as severe a diabetic as those who must take meds including insulin to manage their diabetes.

Even then your numbers changed from 5.2 to 5.6, which you wold not have known if you had not checked your HbA1c.

HbA1c is not a cure or treatment. It is just a test to tell the patient how successful the efforts to control blood sugars have been during the past three months. And if they have not been well controlled then to do something different, as the currently they are not doing so well.

The guide lines were made by trained, knowledgable people and not patients/amatures like most of us, to help the majority of full blown diabetic patients.

[sachu]

Please explain the measures above in Indian terms.....

[ShooterGeorge]

If one is able to maintain FBS & PPBS in range without medication, HbA1c test is not required; otherwise it is verymuch required for sure.