HbA1c - GLYCOSYLATED HAEMOGLOBIN TEST
(Flat ₹481 OFF - Sanovra Lab)
Report Time: Next Day Evening | Sample: Blood (EDTA) | Days: Except Sunday
HbA1c, often called the Three-Month Average Sugar Test, is the most important tool for diagnosing and managing diabetes. Unlike a finger-prick test which only tells you your sugar level right now, HbA1c provides a long-term picture.
It measures the percentage of sugar attached to the haemoglobin in your blood. Because red blood cells live for about 3 months, this test reveals your average blood sugar control over that entire period. You cannot cheat this test by fasting for just one day.
How Does It Work?
Sugar (glucose) in your blood is sticky. It naturally attaches itself to the haemoglobin protein inside your red blood cells. This process is called Glycation.
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✔The higher your blood sugar has been over the last few weeks, the more sugar sticks to the haemoglobin.
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✔Since red blood cells live for approximately 120 days (3-4 months), measuring the sugar-coated haemoglobin gives us a reliable history of your sugar levels.
Interpreting Your Results
The result is given as a percentage. This percentage places you into one of three categories:
| HbA1c Level | Interpretation | Estimated Avg Glucose (eAG) |
|---|---|---|
| Below 5.7% | Normal. Healthy metabolism. | < 117 mg/dL |
| 5.7% – 6.4% | Pre-Diabetes. High risk. You can still reverse this with diet and exercise. | 117 – 137 mg/dL |
| 6.5% or Higher | Diabetes. Confirms the diagnosis of Diabetes Mellitus. | > 140 mg/dL |
Advantages of HbA1c Over Fasting Sugar
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➤No Fasting: You can take this test at any time of the day, even after a meal.
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➤Hard to Cheat: Skipping dessert for one day won't fool the test. It sees the long view.
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➤Better Prediction: It is a better predictor of long-term complications (heart, eyes, kidneys) than daily sugar checks.
Important Limitations
• False Low: Severe Anemia (blood loss) or recent blood transfusion.
• False High: Iron deficiency anemia or removing the spleen.
• Thalassemia: Patients with Thalassemia trait may need specialized HPLC testing for accurate results.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Non-Diabetics: Once a year during a health checkup.
Diabetics: Every 3 to 6 months to monitor treatment success.
Yes! With lifestyle changes (low-carb diet, exercise, weight loss), you can lower your HbA1c. However, because red blood cells turn over slowly, it takes about 3 months to see significant changes in the test result.
No, the HbA1c test is processed on all days Except Sunday at Sanovra Lab.
Know Your Truth
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Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Laboratory results should always be interpreted by a qualified Diabetologist or Physician.