HbA1c Blood Test: Understanding Diabetes Management and Blood Sugar Monitoring

22.06.202317.06.2023 by alexxlab

What is the HbA1c blood test. How does it help manage diabetes. Why is regular blood sugar monitoring important. What are the different methods for checking blood glucose levels. How can you interpret your blood sugar results.

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The Importance of HbA1c Testing in Diabetes Management

The Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) test is a crucial tool in diabetes management, providing valuable insights into a person’s average blood sugar levels over the past three months. This test offers a more comprehensive view of glucose control compared to daily blood sugar checks, making it an essential part of diabetes care.

HbA1c testing measures the percentage of glycated hemoglobin in the blood, which reflects how well diabetes is being managed over time. Higher HbA1c levels indicate poorer blood sugar control and an increased risk of diabetes-related complications.

Key Benefits of HbA1c Testing:

Provides a long-term view of blood sugar control
Helps healthcare providers adjust treatment plans
Identifies the risk of diabetes-related complications
Monitors the effectiveness of lifestyle changes and medications

Regular HbA1c testing, typically performed every three to six months, allows for timely interventions and adjustments in diabetes management strategies.

Understanding Blood Sugar Levels and Their Impact on Health

Blood sugar levels, also known as blood glucose levels, are a measurement of the amount of glucose present in your bloodstream. For individuals with diabetes, maintaining optimal blood sugar levels is crucial for overall health and well-being.

Glucose is the primary source of energy for your body’s cells, derived from the food and drinks you consume. In people without diabetes, blood sugar levels are tightly regulated by the body’s natural insulin production. However, for those with diabetes, this regulation is impaired, leading to more significant and frequent fluctuations in blood glucose levels.

Why Are Stable Blood Sugar Levels Important?

Reduce the risk of long-term complications
Improve energy levels and overall well-being
Prevent acute issues like hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia
Support optimal organ function and health

Maintaining blood sugar levels within a target range helps minimize the risk of diabetes-related complications, such as cardiovascular disease, kidney problems, and nerve damage.

Methods for Monitoring Blood Sugar Levels

There are several ways to monitor blood sugar levels, each offering unique benefits and insights into glucose management. Understanding these methods can help individuals with diabetes choose the most suitable approach for their needs.

1. Finger-Prick Testing

Finger-prick testing, also known as self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG), is a common method for checking blood sugar levels at specific points throughout the day. This approach provides immediate feedback on current glucose levels, allowing for timely adjustments in diet, activity, or medication.

Steps for Finger-Prick Testing:

Wash and dry hands thoroughly
Insert a test strip into the blood glucose meter
Use a lancet device to prick the side of a fingertip
Apply a small drop of blood to the test strip
Wait for the meter to display the result
Record the reading in a logbook or smartphone app

2. Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)

Continuous Glucose Monitoring systems provide real-time, ongoing measurements of blood sugar levels throughout the day and night. A small sensor inserted under the skin measures glucose levels in the interstitial fluid, transmitting data to a receiver or smartphone app.

Advantages of CGM:

Provides a more comprehensive view of glucose trends
Alerts users to high or low blood sugar levels
Reduces the need for frequent finger pricks
Helps identify patterns and make informed decisions about diabetes management

3. Flash Glucose Monitoring

Flash glucose monitoring systems, such as the FreeStyle Libre, offer a middle ground between traditional finger-prick testing and full CGM systems. A sensor worn on the upper arm can be scanned with a reader or smartphone to provide current glucose levels and recent trends.

Interpreting Blood Sugar Results and Target Ranges

Understanding how to interpret blood sugar results is crucial for effective diabetes management. Target ranges can vary based on individual factors, including age, type of diabetes, and overall health status.

General Target Ranges for Adults with Diabetes:

Fasting or before meals: 80-130 mg/dL (4.4-7.2 mmol/L)
2 hours after meals: Less than 180 mg/dL (10.0 mmol/L)
HbA1c: Less than 7% for most adults

Is it normal for blood sugar levels to fluctuate throughout the day? Yes, it’s normal for blood glucose levels to rise and fall in response to meals, physical activity, stress, and other factors. However, individuals with diabetes may experience more significant fluctuations and need to monitor these changes closely.

How can you use blood sugar data to improve diabetes management? By tracking blood sugar levels over time, you can identify patterns and trends that may inform adjustments to your diet, exercise routine, or medication regimen. Always consult with your healthcare team before making significant changes to your diabetes management plan.

The Role of HbA1c in Long-Term Diabetes Management

While daily blood sugar monitoring provides valuable short-term insights, the HbA1c test offers a broader perspective on glucose control over time. This test measures the percentage of glycated hemoglobin in the blood, reflecting average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months.

How HbA1c Differs from Daily Blood Sugar Checks:

Provides a long-term view of glucose control
Not affected by day-to-day fluctuations
Helps assess the overall effectiveness of diabetes management
Used to estimate average blood sugar levels

What is a good HbA1c level for someone with diabetes? The target HbA1c level can vary depending on individual circumstances, but generally, a level below 7% (53 mmol/mol) is considered good control for most adults with diabetes. Your healthcare provider may recommend a higher or lower target based on your specific needs and health status.

How often should HbA1c be tested? For most people with diabetes, HbA1c should be tested every 3-6 months. More frequent testing may be recommended if your diabetes management plan has recently changed or if your blood sugar control is not meeting targets.

Preventing and Managing Diabetes Complications

Consistent blood sugar monitoring and maintaining good glycemic control are essential for preventing and managing diabetes-related complications. High blood sugar levels over time can damage blood vessels and nerves throughout the body, leading to various health issues.

Common Diabetes Complications:

Cardiovascular disease
Diabetic nephropathy (kidney disease)
Diabetic retinopathy (eye disease)
Diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage)
Foot problems and increased risk of amputation

How can regular blood sugar monitoring help prevent complications? By keeping blood glucose levels within target ranges, you can significantly reduce the risk of developing these complications. Regular monitoring allows for early detection of trends or patterns that may indicate the need for adjustments in your diabetes management plan.

What steps can you take to reduce your risk of diabetes complications?

Maintain consistent blood sugar control
Attend regular check-ups with your healthcare team
Follow a healthy diet and exercise routine
Take medications as prescribed
Monitor and manage blood pressure and cholesterol levels
Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption
Perform regular foot checks and practice good foot care

Empowering Diabetes Self-Management Through Education and Support

Effective diabetes management goes beyond simply monitoring blood sugar levels. It requires a comprehensive approach that includes education, support, and active participation in one’s care. Empowering individuals with diabetes to take control of their health can lead to improved outcomes and quality of life.

Key Components of Diabetes Self-Management Education:

Understanding the disease process and treatment options
Incorporating healthy eating and physical activity into daily life
Safely using medications and monitoring their effects
Preventing, detecting, and treating acute and chronic complications
Developing problem-solving and coping skills
Addressing psychosocial concerns and promoting health and behavior change

How can diabetes education improve self-management? Diabetes education provides individuals with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to effectively manage their condition. It can help people make informed decisions about their care, reduce the risk of complications, and improve overall health outcomes.

Where can you find diabetes education and support resources?

Certified diabetes educators and healthcare providers
Diabetes support groups and peer mentoring programs
Online resources and educational materials from reputable organizations
Diabetes management apps and digital health tools
Community health programs and workshops

By actively engaging in diabetes education and seeking support, individuals can develop the skills and confidence needed to effectively manage their condition and lead healthy, fulfilling lives.

Advancing Technologies in Diabetes Care and Blood Sugar Monitoring

The field of diabetes management is constantly evolving, with new technologies emerging to improve blood sugar monitoring and overall care. These advancements aim to make diabetes management more convenient, accurate, and personalized.

Emerging Technologies in Diabetes Care:

Closed-loop insulin delivery systems (artificial pancreas)
Smart insulin pens with dose tracking capabilities
Non-invasive glucose monitoring devices
Advanced data analytics and AI-powered insights
Telemedicine and remote patient monitoring solutions

How are these technologies changing diabetes management? Advanced technologies are making it easier for people with diabetes to monitor their blood sugar levels, adjust insulin doses, and make informed decisions about their care. They can provide more comprehensive data, reduce the burden of daily management tasks, and improve overall glycemic control.

What challenges exist in adopting new diabetes technologies? While these advancements offer significant benefits, there are also challenges to consider:

Cost and insurance coverage
Learning curve and technical complexity
Data privacy and security concerns
Integration with existing healthcare systems
Ensuring equitable access to new technologies

As these technologies continue to evolve, it’s important for individuals with diabetes to stay informed about new options and discuss them with their healthcare providers to determine the most appropriate tools for their specific needs and circumstances.

In conclusion, effective diabetes management involves a multifaceted approach that includes regular blood sugar monitoring, HbA1c testing, and the adoption of appropriate technologies and self-management strategies. By staying informed, engaged, and proactive in their care, individuals with diabetes can significantly improve their health outcomes and quality of life.

Checking your blood sugar levels | Diabetes testing

Knowing your blood sugar levels helps you manage your diabetes and reduces your risk of having serious complications – now and in the future.

What are blood sugar levels?

Your blood sugar levels, also known as blood glucose levels, are a measurement that show how much glucose you have in your blood. Glucose is a sugar that you get from food and drink. Your blood sugar levels go up and down throughout the day and for people living with diabetes these changes are larger and happen more often than in people who don’t have diabetes.

Can I check my own blood sugar?

You can do blood sugar level check by doing a finger-prick test, or by using an electronic blood sugar monitor called a flash glucose monitor or CGM. You can do this several times a day – helping you keep an eye on your levels as you go about your life and help you work out what to eat and how much medication to take. Find out your ideal target range.

Not everyone with diabetes needs to check their levels like this. You’ll need to if you take certain diabetes medication. Always talk to your healthcare team if you’re not sure whether that’s you – they’ll give you advice on whether to check them yourself and how often.

And there’s also something called an HbA1c, which is a blood test to measure your average blood sugar level over the last three months. Everyone with diabetes is entitled to this check.

High blood sugar levels increase your risk of developing serious complications. However you manage your diabetes, stay in the know about your blood sugar levels

Why test blood sugar levels?

If you take certain medication, like insulin or sulphonylureas, checking your blood sugars is a vital part of living with diabetes. It can help you work out when you need to take more medication, when you need to eat something or for when you want to get up and move around more.

Routine checks can help you know when you might be starting to go too low (called a hypo) or too high (called a hyper). It’s a way of getting to know your body and how it works. It can help you and your healthcare team spot patterns too. Do you write your results down? You might find that helpful.

But importantly, it will help you stay healthy and prevent serious diabetes complications now and in the future. By complications, we mean serious problems in places like your feet and your eyes. This happens because too much sugar in the blood damages your blood vessels, making it harder for blood to flow around your body. This can lead to very serious problems like sight loss and needing an amputation.

The higher your blood sugar levels are and the longer they’re high for, the more at risk you are.

How to check your blood sugar levels

Finger-pricking

This is how you find out what your blood sugar level is at that moment in time. It’s a snapshot.

Your healthcare team will show you how to do the test and it’s important that you’re taught how to do it properly – otherwise you could get the wrong results.

For some people, finger-prick testing isn’t a problem and it quickly becomes part of their normal routine. For others, it can be a stressful experience, and that’s totally understandable. Knowing all the facts and speaking to other people can help – contact our helpline or chat to others with diabetes on our online forum. They’ve been through it too and will understand your worries.

Watch our video and follow our simple steps on how to test your blood sugars in the right way and safely.

We have more information for you if your child has diabetes and you’re checking their blood sugar levels for them.

You’ll need these things to do the test:

a blood testing meter
a finger prick device
some test strips
a lancet (a very short, fine needle)
a sharps bin, so you can throw the needles away safely.

If you’re missing one of these, speak to your healthcare team.

Blood testing meters

New meters come on the market all the time, so it can be tricky choosing the right one. It’s best to ask your healthcare team for advice on a meter that’ll suit you.

If you have sight problems, you may not be able to use some meters so your healthcare team can suggest alternatives.

Some people can get meters on prescription. But if you choose to buy your own meter, you might not get a prescription for the test strips it uses. Chat to your healthcare team.

Test strips

Test strips usually come in batches of 50 and must work with the type of meter you’ve chosen.

But about one in four people in the UK have had a GP who’s refused to prescribe test strips. We think this is unacceptable so we’re campaigning for everyone to have access to test strips on prescription.

If this happens to you, take it up with your GP practice. If that doesn’t work, contact your local Clinical Commissioning Group (your local CCG manages the NHS Trust in your area).

If you decide to buy strips from outside the UK or online, you’ll need to check they’re adjusted to UK specifications.

Finger-prick devices and lancets

Finger-prick devices pierce the skin with a needle so that a drop of blood can be taken for testing. The needle is called a lancet.

You can adjust the device to change how far it goes into the skin. It’ll depend on the thickness of the skin.

Lancets come in different sizes and thicknesses (or gauges). A higher-gauge lancet is thinner so is normally less painful, but it might not always give you enough blood.

You can only use a lancet once or they get blunt and are painful to use.

How to do a finger-prick test

Your healthcare team will show you how to do it the first time, but these are the key steps:

Wash your hands with soap and warm water. Don’t use wet wipes as the glycerine in them can affect the test result. Make sure your hands are warm so it’s easier to get blood and won’t hurt as much.
Take a test strip and slot it into the meter to turn it on. Some meters will have tests strips built in.
Remove the cap from your finger prick device and put in a new lancet. Then put the cap back on and set the device by pulling or clicking the plunger.
Choose which finger to prick but avoid your thumb or index finger (finger next to your thumb). And don’t prick the middle, or too close to a nail. Place the device against the side of your finger and press the plunger. Use a different finger each time and a different area.
Take your meter with the test strip and hold it against the drop of blood. It’ll tell you if the test strip is filled, usually by beeping.
Before you look at your reading, check your finger. Use a tissue to stop bleeding, then use it to take out the lancet and throw it away in your sharps bin.
By this time, your meter will probably show the result. Note it down.
You can use the same tissue to take out the test strip and throw that away too. Taking out the strip will usually turn the meter off.

Flash glucose monitors

More and more people with diabetes are choosing to use a flash glucose monitor to check their sugar levels. This is a blood sugar test without a needle. Instead it uses a sensor you wear on your skin and you an do the test without pricking your finger. The main brand is called the FreeStyle Libre.

But flash glucose monitoring doesn’t measure the sugar in your blood. It measures the amount of sugar in the fluid surrounding your cells, called interstitial fluid. This causes a delay with the reading so it’s not completely accurate, so you’ll still need to do a finger-prick test every now and again.

We’ve been campaigning to make this life-changing technology more easily available – check out our Fight for Flash campaign.

HbA1c test

As well as regularly testing your own blood sugars, at least once a year your healthcare team will ask you to come in for an HbA1c blood test. This checks your average blood sugar levels over the last three months and helps your diabetes team and you spot trends over time.

This is one of your essential diabetes health checks and it’s really important you understand what your results mean. A high HbA1c means you have too much sugar in your blood. This means you’re more likely to develop diabetes complications, like serious problems with your eyes and feet. So it’s really important to have this test regularly so that you can make changes and reduce your risk of getting complications.

We’ve got more information about the HbA1c test and what your levels mean.

Make a note of your readings

It may sound obvious, but you must record your readings. Note them down in a diary, a notebook or in your phone calendar. Some meters have software that lets you do this. You could try a diabetes app too.

You and your healthcare team can then look back over your results to see if you need to adjust your treatment.

What’s my target range?

These are blood sugar level targets for adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Your individual targets may differ.

You might be asking, what’s the normal range for blood sugar levels? The answer is, there is a healthy range that you should ideally be aiming for. The infographics above show the general guidelines, but your individual target range for your blood sugar levels may be different. You’ll healthcare team will agree with you what it is.

You’ll get different readings at different times of the day, depending on things like what you’ve eaten and how much you are moving around. Here’s a guide to help you get started on finding your target range:

If you’re a child with type 1 diabetes

when you wake up and before meals: 4 to 7mmol/l
after meals: 5 to 9mmol/l

If you’re an adult with type 1 diabetes

when you wake up and before meals: 5 to 7mmol/l
before meals at other times of the day: 4 to 7mmol/l
after meals: 5-9mmol/l at least 90 minutes after eating

A bedtime target should be agreed with you by your healthcare team too.

If you have type 2 diabetes

before meals: 4 to 7mmol/l
two hours after meals: less than 8.5mmol/l

If you have gestational diabetes

Fasting: below 5. 3mmol/l
One hour after meals: below 7.8mmol/l
If you’re not able to check until two hours – rather than one hour – after a meal, you should aim for below 6.4mmol/l.

What does mmol/l mean?
mmol/l stands for millimoles per litre. A mole is a scientific unit often used to measure chemicals.

If you’re pregnant and have diabetes, your targets will be different, and your timing of blood sugar measurements after meals may be different. We have lots more information to help you if you’re planning to have a baby or you’re pregnant now.

What happens when your blood sugar levels are too low?

If your blood sugar levels are too low, usually below 4 mmol/l, you may experience a hypo. Hypos need to be treated immediately, otherwise your blood sugar levels will drop further. If this happens, you may experience a severe hypo and need emergency treatment.

There are many different symptoms of a hypo, so it’s important that you are aware of the signs in case your blood sugar level gets too low. We’ve also got more information about what to do if you are having a hypo.

What happens when your blood sugar levels are too high?

If your blood sugar levels are slightly above your targets, there are usually no symptoms. But if your blood sugar levels become too high, you may experience some symptoms associated with a hyper.

The blood sugar level at which symptoms begin to appear is different for everyone, but the common symptoms include passing more urine than normal, being very thirsty, having headaches and feeling tired and lethargic.

It’s important that you know how to treat a hyper to avoid developing ketones in the blood.

What diabetes care to expect

You need certain health checks when you have diabetes. You might hear this called your ‘annual review’, but you don’t always get these once a year. Here’s what to expect.

What diabetes care can I expect?

When you have diabetes, you’re entitled to certain checks, tests and services to help you get the care you need – like your HbA1c blood test. These checks help to prevent serious diabetes complications.

There are some diabetes checks and appointments that everyone living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes should have regularly, and others that you might only have if you need or want them. There are also certain checks and appointments that you should have when you’re first diagnosed.

We’ve also got lots of information about care to expect when you have gestational diabetes.

Making the most of your appointments

Everybody living with diabetes should be able to have good quality conversations with their healthcare team, where you can discuss your individual needs and progress.

Before you go to your appointments, think about:

Anything that’s worrying you about your diabetes.
Whether your diabetes is affecting your general wellbeing and what help you might need.
Whether you’ve read anything, or seen anything online that you want to discuss, like new research or a particular type of diabetes tech.

Your healthcare team might give or send you a form for blood tests or other tests you need before your appointment. It’s helpful to have your test results ready to talk about at your appointment, so try to have them done at least a week before.

During the appointment:

Remember that your healthcare team should always be led by your needs.
If your questions aren’t being answered, don’t be afraid to ask again and bring the conversation back to what you want to discuss.
If the appointment feels like it’s all about your diabetes numbers, try asking if you can discuss how diabetes is affecting your life and not just your blood sugars.
At the end of your appointment, agree a clear plan of action, including how long it should be until your next appointment.

Remember, you can ask for another appointment, or a referral to a diabetes nurse or dietitian if you want to.

Managing your diabetes between appointments

It makes all the difference if you know how to manage your diabetes between appointments too. There are lots of things you can do to look after yourself at home, like eating a healthy diet to help manage your cholesterol and blood pressure, checking your feet daily for any changes, and keeping active.

Discover how to look after your diabetes with confidence, in our free Learning Zone, with interactive quizzes and expert advice from healthcare professionals.

Owning your own care puts you in the driving seat. It’s how you manage your diabetes and how you reduce your risk of serious diabetes complications.

Care to expect when you’re first diagnosed

Everyone living with diabetes should have certain checks and appointments when they’re first diagnosed with diabetes, to make sure you understand your condition and can live well with diabetes. If you didn’t have any of these when you were first diagnosed, speak to your healthcare team.

Everyone living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes should have:

A full assessment of your medical history, and anything going on in your personal life that might affect your diabetes.
A referral to a diabetes group education programme that works for you and your cultural background, or the same type of education in a one-to-one appointment if you prefer. This should be within a year of diagnosis if you live with type 1 diabetes.
Information about the medical exemption form for free prescriptions if you live in England. You don’t need this in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales as prescriptions are free for everyone.

Within six months of being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, you should have:

An individual diabetes management plan, discussed and agreed on with your healthcare team, that works for you and your cultural background, including your personal targets, contact details for your diabetes team and follow-up plans.
Detailed information on how to live well with type 1 diabetes including giving your insulin, counting carbohydrates, managing hypos, managing when you’re ill, physical activity, and DVLA requirements for driving.
A review with a dietitian.
Your antibodies measured to confirm your diagnosis if it’s not clear what type of diabetes you have.

When you’re diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, you should have:

If it’s right for you, a discussion about weight management or weight loss and type 2 diabetes remission, which is when your average blood sugar levels are no longer in the range for diabetes and you don’t need medication.
A review of your emotional wellbeing and mental health needs.
A review of your medication.
A summary of your agreed diabetes management plan and when it should be reviewed again.

Regular care to expect

Everyone living with diabetes should have these diabetes checks and tests every year. If there are any that you haven’t had in the last year, speak to your healthcare team.

Each year, everyone with diabetes should have:

An HbA1c test, which checks your average blood sugar levels over the last three months. 
A blood pressure check, a cholesterol test to check your blood fats, and blood and urine tests to check how well your kidneys are working.  
A review of your weight and BMI
Eye screening to check for signs of diabetic retinopathy, which is a complication of diabetes. But this might be every other year if your previous checks were fine. 
A foot check to make sure you don’t have problems with nerves or circulation in your feet. This may be once every other year if you live in Scotland and are at low risk for foot problems.  
A review and update of your agreed diabetes management plan.

A review of the diabetes knowledge you already have and would like to have. 
If you have type 2 diabetes, advice about your diet from a dietitian, and weight monitoring.

Care to expect if you need it

There are some diabetes checks and appointments that you should have access to but not everyone will need. Speak to your healthcare team if you think you need any of this help but aren’t getting it.

Everyone with diabetes should have access to:

An HbA1c check every three to six months if you’re struggling to meet your targets.
The chance to meet and get support from other people living with diabetes.
Good quality care with access to diabetes specialists if you’re in hospital, including access to mental health support if needed.
Pre-pregnancy review if you’re planning to have a baby, and advice from specialists at least 12 weeks before stopping contraception.

Regular reviews at least every two weeks by the diabetes team during pregnancy.
Support with sexual health concerns.
A review of your emotional health and wellbeing needs.
A review and update of your management plan.
Appointments in a way that you prefer, whether that’s by phone or face to face, or reviewing your blood sugar levels with your healthcare team online, for example.

Everyone living with type 1 diabetes should have access to:

A review of the diabetes knowledge you already have and would like to have,
Advice about your diet from a dietitian.
A thyroid function blood test.

A chat about diabetes technology offered locally that could help you. This includes continuous or flash glucose monitoring, which everyone should have access to if they would like it, or an insulin pump if you are not meeting your targets.
Support from specialists who can help you manage your medication and blood sugars around physical activity.

Everyone living with type 2 diabetes should have access to:

You will also have access to other NHS care that is still important for your diabetes management, like flu and Covid-19 vaccines, screening services for other conditions, help to give up smoking, weight management support, and dental care

Some areas offer other opportunities to improve your general health and diabetes wellbeing, like weight management, organised physical activity and active community groups. Ask your healthcare team what other support is available to you.

What if I’m not getting the care I need?

Sometimes it might be difficult to get the standard of care you should expect. If you don’t think you are getting the checks you should be, speak to your healthcare team. You could make a list of things from this page that you want to discuss with them, or order our free leaflet ‘What care to expect when you have diabetes’ to take along to your appointment.

If that doesn’t help, you may want to make a complaint. If you’re still not happy with the care you’re getting, you can ask for your diabetes care to happen at a different clinic or hospital. You can find out more by speaking to your healthcare team, or calling our helpline on 0345 123 2399.

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What is glycated hemoglobin in a blood test?

Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen. The most common form of this protein is called hemoglobin A. It makes up about 95% of all types of hemoglobin. When hemoglobin A combines with glucose, a structure called HbA1c is formed, where A1c is glucose.

An HbA1c test provides information on the average blood glucose level over a period of two to three months.

The analysis is necessary for patients who have a suspicion of the development of diabetes mellitus or an established diagnosis. Also, the analysis can be taken for preventive purposes.

How to test for glycated hemoglobin? It is advisable for patients with diabetes to do this analysis 2-4 times a year. In some cases, based on the results of the analysis, the doctor may recommend that you take it again (for example, to confirm the results if diabetes is diagnosed for the first time).

Method of determination

Ion exchange high performance liquid chromatography.

Test material

Deoxygenated blood.

due date

During the day.

Readings

1. Suspicion of diabetes mellitus (thirst, fatigue, frequent urination).

2. Controlling the level of glucose in the blood.

3. Adjustment of treatment for diabetes mellitus (if required).

4. Dynamic tracking of glucose levels, if a person has fluctuations in this indicator. It is carried out several times as directed by a doctor.

5. Prevention of diabetes.

Preparation for analysis

1. 3 hours before the analysis, refuse food. Use only pure non-carbonated water.

2. For 30 minutes, do not overstrain physically and mentally, do not smoke.

Synonyms: Blood test for glycated hemoglobin. Glycohemoglobin; HbA1c; Hemoglobin A1c; A1c; HgbA1c; Hb1c.

Equipment: Minicap – Sebia, France; Capillaries-2 Flex Piercing – Sebia

The results of the analysis for glycated hemoglobin are expressed as a percentage. What does this mean? The percentage of glucose in the blood helps to identify the presence of diabetes and its stage:

No diabetes: 4-6. 2%
Prediabetes: 5.7-6.4%
Diabetes: 6.5% and above.

The higher the indicators, the higher the likelihood of developing complications: visual impairment, damage to the kidneys, heart and blood vessels.

* For current information, please contact the contact center at tel. 8 (812) 600-42-00

Minicap – Sebia, France; Capillarys-2 Flex Piercing – Sebia

Biochemical blood tests – Glycosylated hemoglobin (glycated (HBA1c)) close to home

Paracelsus Medical Center

Recording in 1 click

The glycated hemoglobin (A1c) test helps you estimate your average blood glucose over the past 2-3 months.

Hemoglobin is an oxygen-carrying protein found inside red blood cells (erythrocytes). There are several types of normal hemoglobin, and many abnormal varieties have been identified, although the predominant form is hemoglobin A, which is 95-98% of total hemoglobin. Hemoglobin A is divided into several components, one of which is A1c. Part of the glucose circulating in the blood spontaneously binds to hemoglobin, forming the so-called glycated hemoglobin. The higher the concentration of glucose in the blood, the more glycated hemoglobin is formed. Having combined with hemoglobin, glucose remains “in conjunction” with it until the very end of the life of the erythrocyte, that is, 120 days. The combination of glucose with hemoglobin A is called HbA1c or A1c. Glycated hemoglobin is formed in the blood and disappears from it every day, as old red blood cells die, and young (not yet glycated) take their place.

The hemoglobin A1c test is used to monitor the condition of patients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. It helps to assess how effectively the regulation of glucose levels during treatment is going on.

For some patients, a hemoglobin A1c test is prescribed to diagnose diabetes and pre-diabetes in addition to a fasting plasma glucose test and a glucose tolerance test.

The resulting value is measured as a percentage. Patients with diabetes should strive to keep their glycated hemoglobin levels below 7%.

A1c should be reported in one of three ways:

as a percentage of total hemoglobin,
in mmol/mol, according to the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine,
as mean glucose mg/dl or mmol/l.

For an examination in our multidisciplinary clinic “Paracelsus” in Ekaterinburg at an affordable price, you can make an appointment with us online or by phone +7 (343) 272-03-03.

560 ₽

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Dear patients!
Multidisciplinary Clinic and Maternity Hospital “Paracelsus” informs you, according to the Letter of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation to the Federal Tax Service dated March 25, 2022. N BS-4-11 / 3605, that subparagraph 3 of paragraph 1 of Article 219 of the Tax Code of the Russian Federation provides for the taxpayer’s right to receive a social tax deduction in the amount paid by him in the tax period for medical services provided by medical organizations engaged in medical activities , him, his spouse, parents, children (including adopted children) under the age of 18, wards under the age of 18 (in accordance with the list of medical services approved by the Government of the Russian Federation).

Joint order of the Ministry of Taxation of Russia and the Ministry of Health of Russia of July 25, 2001 N 289 / BG-3-04 / 256 (hereinafter – the order of July 25, 2001) approved the form of the Certificate of payment for medical services for submission to the tax authorities of the Russian Federation (hereinafter – the Certificate payment for medical services).

This certificate certifies the fact of receiving a medical service and its payment through the cash desk of a healthcare institution at the expense of the taxpayer.