Hemoglobin A1c Range

We all are aware that hemoglobin is the protein molecule that consists in the red blood cells of the body. Hemoglobin is responsible for carrying the oxygen from the lungs to other parts of the body, and in return, carrying carbon dioxide to the lungs. People who have elevated sugar levels in the body tend to have glycated hemoglobin.

We all are aware that once sugar sticks to a surface, it is very difficult to remove it. The same thing applies in the body as well. The elevated sugar levels in the body makes the excessive sugar stick to the hemoglobin and form a layer on it, and the hemoglobin A1c test determines the very same amount!

The lifespan of a red blood cell is about 120 days, which means, that the hemoglobin A1c test can help determine the blood sugar levels in the body for almost the past 3 months. Therefore, this test is more trusted and accurate as compared to the regular glucose monitoring at home.

Which is why experts suggest this test to be the primary test for the diagnosis and control check for diabetes.

The normal hemoglobin A1c values vary from laboratory to laboratory. The normal range is usually between 4% to 6%. However, experts suggests that the hbA1c levels in a diabetic patient should be less than 7%.

If the results are higher than 7%, this indicates that the diabetes has been poorly controlled in the past few months, which can have fatal consequences! An uncontrolled diabetes can damage the nervous system, impact your eyesight, heart health, skin, as well as your oral and mental health.

The test helps the patient to identify the need to modify their lifestyle, so that they can have reduced risks for developing further complications associated with the condition. A lower hemoglobin A1c range in a diabetic patient may indicate recent hypoglycemia.

This is a cause of concern as this may lead to death due to low blood sugar levels. Because the A1c levels are closely related to the blood sugar levels in the body, this makes this test even all the more vital for a diabetic patient.

Determining the hemoglobin A1c levels in the blood definitely helps the physician understand the levels of blood sugar in the human body.

Because the red blood cells are screened to check the formation of sugar on them over their lifespan of 120 days, the doctors can easily understand how you have been taking care of your sugar levels for the past few weeks or months. Have a look at the chart below which shows the correlation between average blood sugar and the A1c levels.

Hemoglobin A1c values can be determined from a blood test. It is a simple blood test wherein blood is withdrawn from the vein on your upper arm with the help of a medicated needle. There is no need to fast before the blood test, and you can resume back to your normal activities soon after the test is over.

As per experts, including the International Diabetes Federation, the European Association of the Study of Diabetes, and the American Diabetes Association, the A1c test is considered to be the primary way to diagnose diabetes. The blood sample is taken from the vein of your arm and is sent to the laboratory to determine the HbA1c levels in the body.

Your doctor would advice you to take the test at least once in every 3 to 6 months depending upon the type of diabetes that you have. It is important to note that people who are suffering from health conditions like kidney diseases, liver diseases, anemia, or, have suffered from heavy blood loss, are more likely to get test results depicting false numbers.

The hemoglobin A1c test helps a lot in monitoring and controlling the blood sugar levels in diabetes. A constant check up for the same allows the patient to lead a balanced and healthy diabetic life.

Another thing to be noted is that the hemoglobin A1c range also varies from laboratory to laboratory, so it would be advisable to ask your physician about your exact test results meaning. Have a safe tomorrow!