Rather than getting fasting and post-meal blood sugar levels checked, nowadays doctors often prescribe the HbA1c test. The HbA1c blood test primarily evaluates the three-month average blood sugar level of an individual. However, it can also be used to diagnose diabetes mellitus and assess a patient's glycaemic control if they already have been diagnosed. Keeping your HbA1c level within the normal range is the best way to prevent diabetes-related complications.

How do HbA1c levels determine sugar levels in the blood?

Haemoglobin in your red blood cells binds to glucose present in your blood. The HbA1c blood test calculates the amount of glucose bound to the haemoglobin. Since red blood cells typically have a lifespan of about three months, the test shows the average blood glucose level over the previous three months. If your blood glucose levels have been high over the past few weeks, your HbA1c test results will also be higher than normal.

What is the normal HbA1c level?

Normal HbA1c values range between 4% and 5.6% for people without diabetes. You have pre-diabetes and a higher likelihood of developing diabetes if your HbA1c levels lie between 5.7% to 6.4%. Diabetes is diagnosed when levels reach 6.5% or higher.

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How To Lower hba1c Levels?

In diabetic patients, lower HbA1c values signify effective blood sugar management. However, people with high or borderline HbA1c levels may wonder how can they bring their HbA1c levels down. Here are a few lifestyle changes and treatment plans that may help you keep your HbA1c levels in the normal range:

• Plan a diet with low glycaemic index foods such as green vegetables, raw carrots, beans, chickpeas and lentils to regulate blood glucose levels.
• Be mindful of the portion sizes of the food.
• Start a good exercise regime to manage weight.
• Eat a fibre-rich diet to control sugar spikes.
• Take your oral hypoglycaemic medications as prescribed.
• Track your blood glucose levels with a glucometer at home.
• Consult your doctor regularly and get your lab tests done for HbA1c as and when prescribed by your doctor.

Regulating your HbA1c level is key to successful diabetes management. Making certain lifestyle changes, such as eating a balanced diet, especially low glycaemic foods, exercising, and taking medications regularly can help to effectively control HbA1c levels. If you are diabetic, make sure to consult a doctor and a nutritionist before making any changes to your diet and exercise routine.

FAQs

1. Is the HbA1c test better than other glucose tests?

Yes, HbA1c levels give a better picture of blood glucose control over three months, unlike other blood glucose tests which only provide a one-time status of sugar level in the body.

2. Which foods reduce HbA1c?

A diet devoid of refined carbohydrates and rich in protein, healthy fats, whole grains and fibre can have a positive effect on HbA1c levels.

3. What is the HbA1c test price?

The HbA1c test price varies among different laboratories across different regions. Usually, the test price ranges between INR 300 and INR 1000 across different states in India.

4. How many times do you have to take an HbA1C blood test?

For a healthy or pre-diabetic person, taking the HbA1c blood test twice a year is sufficient. However, if you are diabetic taking the test quarterly or 4 times a year is recommended.

5. How to bring HbA1c down?

HbA1c levels can be brought down by following a strict diabetes-friendly regimen that includes cutting down on sugary foods, exercising regularly, and taking prescribed medications regularly.

Talk to a doctor to get the best guidance.

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Medically reviewed by Dr Sonia Bhatt.