Examination of HbA1c (hemoglobin A1c) is one way that can be done to diagnose and control diabetes conditions.This examination is important to do, in line with the prediction of the Ministry of Health that the number of people with diabetes in Indonesia will continue to increase. Throughout 2018, there were around 16 million diabetes cases.
The HbA1c examination is used to measure the average amount of hemoglobin A1c bound to blood sugar (glucose) over the last three months. This duration corresponds to the life cycle of red blood cells, including hemoglobin, which is three months.
Understanding HbA1c . Examination Procedures and Results
If you are at risk for diabetes or have frequent elevated blood sugar levels but have not yet been diagnosed with diabetes (prediabetes), you can take advantage of the HbA1c test or the estimated average glucose (eAG) to confirm this. It is recommended that you have an HbA1c check every 1 to 2 years, or as directed by your doctor.
However, if you have been diagnosed with diabetes, the HbA1c test can be used as a means of controlling the success of treatment. This is done by determining whether your blood sugar level is at the target value. Therefore, diabetics are recommended to do regular HbA1c checks every 3-6 months.
The procedure for checking HbA1c is more or less the same as the procedure for a blood test in general. The blood vessels in the arm will be pierced with a needle to draw blood. The blood sample is then tested in the laboratory and the results can be obtained within a few days. The results of the examination will be written in percentage, with the following interpretation:
- Normal: HbA1c count below 5.7%.
- Prediabetes: the amount of HbA1c between 5.7-6.4%.
- Diabetes: HbA1c count of 6.5% or more.
The higher the HbA1c count, the more hemoglobin is bound to glucose, and this indicates high blood sugar. If your HbA1c count exceeds 8%, you may have uncontrolled diabetes and are at risk for complications.
Difference between HbA1c Examination and Blood Sugar Test
In general, these two tests are similar, because they have the same target and function. The target is people with diabetes or people who are at risk of developing it. Likewise, its main function is to equally assess blood sugar levels. The results of the examination are also in line, where if the HbA1c level is high, the blood sugar level is also high.
However, there is a slight difference between these two tests. HbA1c examination is not affected by changes in blood sugar levels that only occur temporarily, for example after eating sweet foods. That is the reason why fasting is not required prior to the HbA1c test.
However, this examination cannot be used to diagnose all types of diabetes, such as gestational diabetes and diabetes in children.
Conditions That Can Affect HbA1c . Test Results
To obtain accurate results, the HbA1c test should not be performed in the following conditions:
- Bleeding is severe or in the long term (chronic).
- Have a blood disorder, such as iron deficiency anemia, hemolytic anemia, sickle cell anemia, or thalassemia.
- Suffering from kidney failure, liver disorders, or high cholesterol levels (including high triglycerides).
- Just received a blood transfusion.
- Frequently drinking excessive amounts of alcoholic beverages.
In addition, certain types of drugs and supplements, such as steroid drugs, vitamin C supplements, and vitamin E, can also affect the results of the HbA1c test.
The HbA1c test can monitor the condition of diabetes, thus helping doctors find the right treatment method. Even so, not all types of diabetes can be detected with this examination, and there are several conditions that can interfere with the results of the examination.
Therefore, consult with your doctor about what tests are needed to monitor your diabetes condition.