When you are diagnosed with diabetes (either type), it seems you need to know a new language in order to manage your condition. But do not worry. Over time, you will get the hang of it. One of the most peculiar terms you need to know is "HbA1c". Yes, that is a number 1 and not an "l" in the name. One of the facts about HbA1c is that it takes a while to learn to spell!
What Is It?
HbA1c is shorthand for "glycosylated haemoglobin". Heamoglobin is the stuff that glucose sticks to. It is necessary in red blood cells in order to attract, pick up and absorb glucose. In Type 1 diabetes, your body can not make enough glucose. In Type 2 diabetes, the glucose levels go all out of whack. One of the best ways to monitor your health is to take an HbA1c test, which checks your blood sugar levels. But, and this is one of the most important facts about HbA1c – it is not the same as your blood sugar levels. It is a slightly different animal.
Your red blood cells live an average of two to three months, and then they are replaced by other red blood cells. One of the facts about HbA1c tests are that they can give a good estimate of how your blood sugar levels have been doing for two or three months. This is a diagnostic test doctors use to see if you are successfully managing your diabetes, or if any changes in your treatment is needed. You can not take this test at home. Another of the facts about HbA1c tests is that it needs to be done in a lab.
How Do You Pass This Test?
The HbA1c test is read out as a percentage. A normal reading is between 3.5 – 5% in non-diabetics. For diabetics, however, a 6.5% is okay. The reading is NOT your current blood sugar level. You still need to keep up daily monitoring. The HbA1c test is more of how your body has been handling treatments overall for the past two to three months. It is like a car inspection, only for your blood. Like a car inspection, you still need to give the car gas and oil in order to keep it working properly instead of just taking it to be inspected once a year.
A good HbA1c percentage means you need to keep up with whatever you are doing – exercise, eating a healthy diet, taking insulin if necessary and following doctor's orders. You will need to get it done at least four times a year. Now learning the facts about HbA1c was easier than learning to spell it, wasn't it?
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