Hemoglobin A1C
HBA1C
Description
Hemoglobin A1C test, sometimes called the eAG test, checks the sugar attached to the hemoglobin in your blood. Unlike a one-time blood sugar check, it provides an overview of your average levels over the past two to three months. It’s a key test for diagnosing diabetes or prediabetes and seeing how well blood sugar levels are under control. For the test, your doctor takes a small blood sample to analyze. High A1C levels might mean your blood sugar isn’t under control, which can raise the chances of heart disease or nerve damage. Healthy A1C levels show your blood sugar is where it should be. This test is especially helpful for those managing diabetes or experiencing symptoms like fatigue or frequent urination. The results show your doctor what’s working and if adjustments to your diet, medications, or activity could improve how you feel. Regular A1C tests are key to managing diabetes and reducing the risk of complications.
Procedure
Invasive
Sample Type
Blood – Whole Blood
Test Category
Glycoproteins, Proteins
Procedure Category
Blood Draw
Units
Percentage | Milligrams Per Deciliter
Test Groups
Basic Blood Sugar Group: This group encompasses fundamental tests related to blood sugar, offering essential insights into glycemic control and metabolic health. Complete Blood Sugar Group: This expanded group includes a more comprehensive set of tests, offering a thorough evaluation of diverse facets of blood sugar levels for a more detailed understanding of metabolic health. Basic Cardiovascular Group: This group includes fundamental tests targeting essential markers related to cardiovascular health, providing foundational insights into cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and other key factors. Basic Inflammation Group: This set of tests helps evaluate the body's inflammatory response, providing valuable information for diagnosing and managing inflammatory conditions. Complete Cardiovascular Group: This group contains comprehensive tests for an extensive evaluation of cardiovascular health, providing thorough insights into heart-related conditions beyond basic assessments. Complete Inflammation Group: Extensive tests offer a comprehensive assessment of inflammatory markers, yielding detailed insights into inflammation levels and related health conditions.
Optimal Range
For All Individuals:
Conventional Unit: HbA1c: 4.5–5.4% | eAG: 82–108 mg/dL
SI Unit: Not Applicable
Normal Range
For All Individuals:
Conventional Unit: HbA1c: <5.7% | eAG: 70–126 mg/dL
SI Unit: Not Applicable
Results That Differ From The Norm (Direct and Indirect Causes)
Increased levels may indicate:
Chronic kidney disease
Chronic liver disease
Gestational diabetes (Diabetes during pregnancy)
Hemoglobinopathies (such as sickle cell disease or thalassemia)
Prediabetes (Early stage of diabetes)
Type 1 diabetes (Autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing cells)
Type 2 diabetes (Insulin resistance or inadequate insulin production)
Key Reasons For Testing
Diabetes Diagnosis: Detects diabetes by reflecting average blood glucose levels over the past 2–3 months.
Long-term Glycemic Control: Evaluates glycemic trends, aiding in diabetes management and treatment planning.
Treatment Monitoring: Tracks the effectiveness of lifestyle and medication interventions.
Complication Risk Assessment: Identifies risks for cardiovascular, renal, and neuropathic complications.
Treatment Adjustment: Guides dosage changes for medications or insulin.
High-risk Screening: Screens individuals with prediabetes or a family history of diabetes to enable early intervention.
Health Status Conditions It May Be Used To Assess
Currently, this test is not directly associated with any conditions listed on the Health Status page. However, it may be included as part of a broader set of tests linked to specific health conditions.
Some Prominent Medical Labs That May Offer This Test
Please note that this particular test has not been associated with any of the listed prominent medical labs. We recommend enquiring with your private physician or nearest hospital to determine where this specific test can be performed.
References
Important Note
Any medical procedure yielding results outside the norm may be directly or indirectly linked to the conditions outlined on this page. Various factors, including genetics, medication and supplement usage, recent illnesses, pregnancy, pre-test eating, smoking, and stress, can impact the test's outcome. Additionally, factors like false positives, false negatives, inaccurate analyses, and others can influence results.
Reference ranges, which help healthcare professionals interpret medical tests, may vary depending on age, gender, and other factors. They may also differ between laboratories due to variations in instruments and methods used. Optimal ranges are designed for preventive purposes, aiming to identify trends and potential risks early, while normal ranges reflect conventional laboratory values indicating no current disease or pathology. Your healthcare practitioner may have specific reasons for testing that deviate from the usual or may interpret results differently based on individual circumstances. Proper interpretation typically involves considering clinical findings and other diagnostic tests. Hence, it is crucial to provide your healthcare professionals with a comprehensive medical history, consult with them for result interpretation, and follow their guidance for potential re-testing or additional diagnostics.
Disclaimer
This content is provided solely for informative and educational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. Regarding the interpretation of their medical test results and/or specific health questions, it is recommended that all readers and viewers consult their physicians or other qualified health professionals. The publisher is not responsible for any adverse health effects that may result from reading or following the information in this educational content. Before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program, all viewers, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physician or health care practitioner.
Please note that while prominent lab names are included in this content, we cannot guarantee that these labs offer all the tests mentioned. For confirmation, individuals should contact the labs directly or consult their medical practitioners. The information provided reflects general knowledge at the time of publication and may not include recent updates or emerging research. Readers should verify details with qualified professionals to ensure the most up-to-date and accurate guidance.
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