The HBA1C test is frequently used to determine whether or not a person has diabetes. But does it really gives one an accurate answer? Can we rely on it? Let us find out here!
HBA1C test, also known as Glycated Hemoglobin test determines how much sugar/glucose is bound to the hemoglobin of Red blood cells(RBCs) in one’s blood. Hemoglobin is actually a protein found in RBCs. It is crucial for transporting oxygen throughout our body and gives blood its red color. Glucose refers to the sugar in our blood.
Now this sugar-hemoglobin linkage happens whenever there is a spike of glucose in our blood, often indicative of diabetes. The process by which sugar binds itself to hemoglobin is known as glycation. This linkage is there for the entire lifetime of RBCs, which is around four months regardless of changing sugar levels. Furthermore, A1C molecules(sugar-hemoglobin molecules) are easier to detect. As a result, it has been taken as a parameter.
The test gives us an 3-month average level of glucose due to the limited lifespan of RBCs in our blood. It is a lot like a cricketer’s season batting average throughout a season. A single day’s result does not give you the complete picture.
The following tests provide a more accurate picture-:
Fasting Insulin test
Fasting Glucose test
PP blood sugar level test
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