Why is it good to monitor your HbA1c?
Knowing about HbA1c is good, knowing Your HbA1c is power!
HbA1c (Hemoglobin A1c) is a blood test that measures the average blood sugar levels over the past 2 to 3 months. It reflects the percentage of hemoglobin in the blood that has glucose attached to it.
HbA1c is more than just a number—it’s a crucial biomarker for understanding and managing blood sugar levels over time. As the first validated marker for long-term glucose control, HbA1c plays a key role in diagnosing and monitoring diabetes, helping individuals and healthcare professionals make informed decisions about treatment and lifestyle adjustments.
Diagnose Diabetes
This test is a standard method for diagnosing type 1 and type 2 diabetes. A result of 6.5% or higher on two separate occasions is typically indicative of diabetes, while a value between 5.7% and 6.4% suggests prediabetes.
Monitoring Diabetes Management
For individuals with diabetes, HbA1c helps evaluate the effectiveness of treatment plans, including lifestyle changes, medications, or insulin. It provides a broader picture of glucose control compared to daily self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG).
Target HbA1c Levels
For most adults with diabetes, the target is often to keep HbA1c below 7%. However, individual goals may vary based on factors like age, overall health, and risk of hypoglycaemia.
Lastly but no less importantly, predicting diabetes complications
Higher HbA1c levels are strongly associated with an increased risk of complications, such as heart disease, kidney damage, nerve issues, and vision problems (retinopathy). Maintaining HbA1c levels within the recommended range significantly reduces the risk of such complications.