What You Need To Know About An HbA1c Hemoglobin Test

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By Yhordan Serpentini | March 22, 2023

Whether you’re a regular patient or it’s your first time getting an HbA1c test, it’s always best if you are well-informed about the type of test you want or are receiving, and why. In today’s blog, we’ll go through what an HbA1c test is, including what to expect during an HbA1c test, why you should receive one, and what the results may mean for your health.

Hba1c

What Is An HbA1c Hemoglobin Test?

An HbA1c Hemoglobin Test–also referred to as an A1C test, Hemoglobin A1C, glycated hemoglobin, glycosylated hemoglobin, glycohemoglobin, or simply HbA1c test–is a small blood test, usually performed through a prick on the finger, that tests your average blood sugar levels (glucose) over the course of a few months–typically the last three. 

An HbA1c blood test is usually ordered or authorized by your primary care physician or a healthcare provider when they suspect potential links to diabetes complications. Additionally, if you are over the age of 45, or are overweight under the age of 45, and have one or more potential risk factors for type 2 diabetes–or are prediabetic–then you should receive a baseline HbA1c test; however, more will be discussed soon.

What Happens During An HbA1c Test

During an HbA1c test, a healthcare professional will take a blood sample either through a finger prick or venipuncture. A small amount of blood is collected and placed in a test tube, which is then tested and analyzed for glucose and hemoglobin.

Glucose is a type of sugar in your blood that originates from the different foods you eat, which are used by your cells for energy. Insuline–a type of hormone in your body–helps glucose get into your cells; however, when you have diabetes, your body doesn’t make enough insulin to support your glucose levels, causing your cells to operate inefficiently. Hemoglobin is a protein in your red blood cells that glucose sticks to. 

As your glucose levels increase, more glucose is stuck to your hemoglobin, which is important as the percentage of your red blood cells that have the glucose-coated hemoglobin is what is measured during an HbA1c test. Typically, the test can show your average glucose levels for the past three months since glucose sticks to hemoglobin for as long as a red blood cell is alive (120 days).

Because an HbA1c test is primarily used for measuring your blood glucose levels, it is commonly used for screening or diagnosing type 2 diabetes or prediabetes. An HbA1c test can also be used to help monitor your diabetes or prediabetes, as well as check how well you’ve managed your blood sugar levels.

Why Should You Receive An HbA1c Test?

As mentioned earlier, the CDC recommends that you receive an HbA1c test for multiple risk factors if you are over the age of 45, under the age of 45, or show symptoms of diabetes.

If Over The Age of 45:

  • Repeat the test every 3 years if the test results are normal.
  • Repeat the test every 1 or 2 years test results show prediabetes.
  • Repeat the test twice a year to monitor your condition and treatment if results show diabetes.

Receive A Test If Under The Age of 45 And:

  • Are prediabetic
  • Are overweight or obese
  • Have high blood pressure
  • Have high cholesterol levels
  • Are physically inactive
  • Have heart disease or stroke
  • Have gestational diabetes, or gave birth to an infant over 9 lbs
  • Have a family relative with type 2 diabetes
  • Have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)

Receive A Test If You Show Symptoms of Diabetes:

  •  Urinating a lot
  • Losing excessive weight without trying (different from fast metabolism)
  • Blurred vision
  • Numb or tingling hands and/or feet
  • Dry skin
  • Fatigue
  • Sores that do not heal, or heal very slowly
  • Having infections more than usual
  • Feeling very thirsty
  • Urinating very frequently

What To Do If Your HbA1c Test Results Are Abnormal

There are multiple things you can and should do if your HbA1c test results are abnormal. According to the Center For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), below is a list of several factors that should indicate you to repeat an exam if:

  • Your test results are normal but you’re over the age of 45, have risk factors of type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, and/or have ever had gestational diabetes.
  • Your results show that you have prediabetes (talk to your doctor about the necessary steps to lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes); you may need to repeat the test as often as your doctor recommends.
  • You don’t have symptoms, however, your results show you have prediabetes or type 2 diabetes.
Additionally, managing the disease can best be done through losing weight, eating a rich and healthy diet, and exercising at a reasonable level. Overeating, overexercising, and having too little or too much sugar, can all worsen your condition, as it significantly affects your blood sugar. If diet and exercise aren’t enough, you can also ask your doctor to be prescribed medications or insulin therapy.
 
Managing diabetes is a difficult task, but very possible to achieve. If you have diabetes, the CDC recommends that you receive at least two HbA1c tests each year, or more often than that if your medicine changes or if you have other health conditions that factor into your situation. If you need additional help, ask your doctor if you can be referred to diabetes self-management education and support services.

Need a fast and reliable HbA1c hemoglobin test? Visit our Lab Tests page to book your appointment and get your sample collected for testing; track your reports online and get notified when your reports are done, typically within 2 hours for On-Site Testing. 

Disclaimer: This blog is not intended to be medical advice

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