What's the importance of HbA1c test. what information will it give.?

Answer 1

the simple answer is that it is your body's running average for your blood glucose level.

Answer 2

When there is excess glucose in the blood, some of it attaches to hemoglobin. This test measures the percentage of hemoglobin that has become glycated.

Red blood cells (hemoglobin) live an average of 120 days before they are replaced. That's why it's commonly said that the HbA1c is taking an average, but that's not exactly true. At any given time, most of the red blood cells in circulation are only about 3 or 4 weeks old, so the HbA1c is more weighted on the recent past.

Most recent recommendations from the American Diabetes Association and the American College of Endocrinologists recommend that in adults the HbA1c be maintained below 7.0%. Some experts recommend below 6.5%. The higher the number, the more exponentially your risk for complications increases.

Anyone who says it's OK to be above 7, is using outdated recommendations.

Answer 3

Sorry Doc2, that's not the answer.

The A1C as it's more commonly known or HbA1C shows the average of your blood glucose levels for the past 3 months, this is a better indicator of how your overall diabetes is doing. Everyday testing is very important but the A1C gives a much better idea of how your body is breaking down the glucose. the Hb is for the Hemogloblin where the glucose it found.

Levels around 6-7 are ideal for diabetics. The lower the better. Also you can buy A1C kits over the counter and check your own now for about $16.00 per test. You just stick your finger like you're doing a regular glucose screening and let the blood drop into the little 'well' that is in the center of the testing device and it takes a few minutes to countdown to your test result. I use one every few months and it is very accurate with the lab result. Much less expensive than a trip to the doc and paying for the test at the lab. Good Luck.

Answer 4

the HbA1c test shows your average blood glucose over a three month period .
unlike daily where glucose levels fluctuate it gives an overall reading on how well your diabetes is being controlled.
you should aim for around a 6 however being too high or low can cause serious health problems if left alone and for long periods e.g kidney disease,eye and nerve problems.

Answer 5

HbA1c is your body gucometer!!! It will tell you what your average blood sugar level has been for the past 90 to 120 days. you see, sugar attaches to Red blood cell (hemoglobin) and makes HbA1c. This is a nonreversible reaction. and relation of sugar and hba1c is direct meaning that more sugar in your blood, higher HgA1c. Hg lives only about 90 to 120 days. so A1c shows the past 90 to 120 days.

Answer 6

This is the "gold standard " for diabetes.
.It measures the three months average of blood glucose levels.
Please visit the site below to find out more. If you have diabetes, you should have an A1C ( short form) test every 3 months until you are stabilized.
Normal levels are around 6%. Most diabetics start with levels near 10%, and with treatment of medication or insulin or diet and exercise ( mostly all of the above) these values will decrease.
Patience is required!

Answer 7

It shows your average glucose levels over the last three months, if your diabetic and your test is over 7 you have to have tighter control, watch what your eating especially carbohydrates and make sure your getting enough exercise and sleep.

Answer 8

Yep, the answerer above me is totally right. Its sees how well your glucose has been controlled over 3 months.
I am a nurse too, but not a diabetic educator.

Answer 9

n2Jesus has given a very good simple answer...but i 'd like to add that having aHbA1c level less than 7% is a good indicator for less liability to diabetic micro and macro-vascular complications such as diabetic nephropathy, retinopathy and coronary heart disease..so take that test regularly to make sure that u r controlling your serum glucose efficiently to avoid long term complication as much as u can or at least postpone them...and good luck

Answer 10

Diagnosis of diabetes mellitus