Managing diabetes effectively is crucial for preventing complications and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Regular medical tests play a vital role in monitoring and controlling blood glucose levels. At Chughtai Lab, we offer comprehensive diabetes tests to help patients manage their condition effectively. This blog provides detailed information about the HbA1c blood test, available at Chughtai Lab and the importance of regular screenings.
What is an HbA1c Test?
The HbA1c blood test, also known as the glycated haemoglobin test, measures average blood glucose levels over a period of 2 to 3 months. One of the key advantages of the HbA1c test is that patients do not need to fast or consume anything beforehand, making it convenient and easy to perform.
What Does an HbA1c Test Measure?
When a person consumes sugary foods, the sugar is absorbed by the digestive tract and enters the bloodstream. Sugar acts as a fuel and provides energy for the body. Some of this sugar attaches to haemoglobin proteins in red blood cells. While everyone has some sugar attached to haemoglobin, individuals with higher blood sugar levels, such as those with prediabetes or diabetes, have more. The HbA1c measures the average percentage of sugar-coated haemoglobin within the blood over a period of 3 months.
Why is it Important to Test for Average Blood Glucose in Diabetes Patients?
Testing for average blood glucose is crucial for managing diabetes through laboratory tests as it provides essential information about a patient’s blood sugar control. Monitoring average blood glucose levels helps reduce the risk of long-term complications of diabetes, such as nerve damage, kidney disease, and cardiovascular disease.
What is a Normal HbA1c Test Result?
Normal HbA1c levels are less than 5.7%. Levels between 5.7% and 6.4% indicate prediabetes, while levels of 6.5% or higher suggest diabetes. Higher HbA1c levels are linked to an increased risk of diabetes complications.
Other Important Diabetes Tests
Aside from the HbA1c test, several other tests are crucial for diagnosing and managing diabetes:
- Fasting Blood Sugar Test: Measures blood sugar levels after an overnight fast. Levels below 100 mg/dL are considered normal, 100-125 mg/dL indicates prediabetes and 126 mg/dL or higher suggests diabetes.
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): Evaluates overall health and detects a range of disorders, including anemia and leukemia.
- Cholesterol Test: Screens cholesterol levels to assess the risk of heart disease, which is higher in individuals with diabetes.
- Triglycerides Test: Measures triglyceride levels in the blood, with high levels indicating an increased risk of coronary artery disease.
- Creatinine Blood Test: Assesses kidney function by measuring creatinine levels in the blood.
- Electrolytes Test: Evaluates the main electrolytes in the body, such as sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate, which are essential for heart and kidney function.
- Insulin Autoantibodies (IAA) Test: Detects antibodies targeting insulin, often used in diagnosing type 1 diabetes.
Diabetic and Endocrine Clinic at Chughtai Healthcare
Chughtai Healthcare provides a one-stop solution for diabetes especially for diabetes symptoms in women and endocrine care, following the international guidelines of the American Diabetes Association. Our Diabetic Clinic offers comprehensive and compassionate care through a structured process that includes patient registration, vital checks, consultations, retinal and foot examinations, and nutritional counselling. Our facilities also include diabetes management counselling, diet counselling, weight and height measurement, BMI calculation, blood sugar and blood pressure test, access to pharmacy, laboratory tests, X-ray and ultrasound services, and vaccination.
Conclusion
HbA1c blood tests and other diabetes-related tests are essential for managing diabetes effectively. Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels can help identify whether a current treatment plan is effective and whether adjustments are needed. If you experience symptoms such as increased thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, or a tingling sensation in your hands or feet, it is important to get tested for diabetes. Chughtai Lab offers a range of tests and comprehensive care to help manage and monitor diabetes, ensuring patients receive the best possible care and support.
For more information about diabetes tests and procedures, visit Chughtai Lab and take the first step towards better diabetes management today.