WHY HBA1C TEST IS VITAL FOR PEOPLE WITH DIABETES

Why HbA1c is important? People who manage to keep their HbA1c level in the normal range can delay or prevent some of the long-term health complications that diabetes may lead to.

A mere 1 % point reduction in HbA1C levels reduces the risk of:

• Deaths due to diabetes by 21%
• Heart attacks by 14%
• Microvascular complications (eye, kidney and nerves) by 37%
• Peripheral vascular complications (foot amputations) by 43%
Ref / Source: UKPDS Observational Study

Lowering your HbA1c reduces your chances of having the following health problems that can be caused by poorly controlled blood glucose:

• Foot problems e.g. ulcers & gangrene etc.
• Heart and circulation problems
• Eye problems
• Kidney problems
• Nerve damage
• Infection

Did you know?

• HbA1c is a measure of three month average of your blood glucose level
• HbA1c level should be under 7.0%, but may vary from person to person depending on their clinician’s advice
• Regular checking of blood sugar level is important to manage diabetes
• Lowering HbA1c reduces the risk of diabetes-related complications

How is HbA1c test different from finger-prick test?

• While the HbA1c test is a measure of three month average of your blood glucose level, finger prick test measures its instantaneous value.
• To avoid hypo episodes, it is important to keep a track of blood sugar level. Hence, finger-prick test comes handy on a daily basis

Results from both finger prick and HbA1c tests are important for the healthcare team, to prescribe the right medication, diet and exercise.

Is your HbA1c test result too high?

There are many reasons why HbA1c can be above 7.0%. Common factors that can lead to high blood glucose levels:

• Obesity
• Physical inactivity
• Inadequate medication
• Infection or illness
• Stress

How to reduce the HbA1c level to <7.0%

• Watch your weight
• Avoid over-eating and carbohydrate rich food. Follow diet plan as shared by dietician
• Walk at least for half an hour every day or workout at the gym 4-5 times a week
• Take regular medications
• Regularly test blood glucose level