HbA1c (Diabetes)

HbA1c, also known as Glycated haemoglobin, is created when haemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells, joins with sugar in the blood to become glycated. Haemoglobin is used by the blood to carry oxygen from the lungs to all other parts in the body. A HbA1c test measures the amount of blood sugar (glucose) attached to haemoglobin.
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What are the reasons for my levels to change?

Diet and lifestyle are mainly responsible for glucose levels not to stay in an optimal range. These include:
  • No exercise
  • Unhealthy diet
  • Being overweight
  • Stress
  • Some medications
  • Diabetes

When should I get tested?

You should get test if you have been experiencing some or all of the following symptoms:
  • Urinating often
  • Feeling very thirsty
  • Feeling very hungry—even though you are eating
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Blurry vision
  • Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal
  • Weight loss—even though you are eating more (type 1)
  • Tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands/feet (type 2)

Early detection and treatment of diabetes can decrease the risk of developing complications of diabetes.

What is being tested:

  • HbA1c
On average a red blood cell lives about 3 months, as a result a HbA1c test can measure glucose levels over 3 months, indicating if a person is at risk of pre-diabetes or diabetes. People who have diabetes need this test regularly to see if their levels are staying within range.
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