HbA1c in pre-diabetes test

This is an automatically translated article.

The article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Vu Thi Duyen - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital
HbA1C is a simple, easy-to-implement blood glucose assessment test, and is the basic standard for diagnosis and treatment prognosis of pre-diabetes and diabetes. However, this indicator can fluctuate depending on many factors. Therefore, make sure to talk to your doctor if there are factors that could potentially confound the results to get the most appropriate guidance.

1. What does the HbA1c number in a pre-diabetes test mean?

When sugar (glucose) enters the bloodstream, HbA1C attaches to hemoglobin (a protein in red blood cells). Everyone has HbA1C attached to hemoglobin, but people with higher than normal blood sugar levels have higher HbA1Cs. The HbA1c prediabetes and diabetes blood test helps determine the percentage of red blood cells in the blood that are attached to sugar (glucose).

2. Subjects to be tested for HbA1C

2.1. People with suspected pre-diabetes and diabetes

Testing (HbA1c) is necessary for people over 45 years of age or under 45 years of age who are overweight, or have risk factors for prediabetes or type 2 diabetes.
People over 45 years of age with normal results but have risk factors or have ever had gestational diabetes should repeat the HbA1C test every 3 years. If you are diagnosed with pre-diabetes, you should see an endocrinologist for advice on lifestyle changes and exercise to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. Periodic HbA1C testing as required. by an endocrinologist. If you have no clinical symptoms but when the test shows that you have pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes, you should test this indicator every 3 months. If the test shows that you have type 2 diabetes, you should see an endocrinologist for support and advice on self-management of diabetes so that you can control your diabetes well from the early stage of diagnosis. early diagnosis.

2.2. Managing type 2 diabetes

If you have type 2 diabetes, get tested for HbA1C at least every 3 months, so it should be done more often in case of a change in medication or a bad health situation. You can consult your doctor about the appropriate frequency of visits.

3. What to prepare before taking the Hb A1C test?

The test is done in a laboratory using a blood sample from a finger stick or from the arm. Accordingly, you do not need to do anything special to prepare for the HbA1C test. However, ask your doctor if other tests are done at the same time and if you need to be prepared for them.

4. How do I read HbA1C test results?

A1C test results are read as follows:

Results HbA1C, pre-diabetes has an index from 5.7% to 6.4%, the higher the number and difficult to control, the greater the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and severe.
In addition to results expressed as %, some devices may give results in other units such as estimated mean blood sugar (eAG), mg of glucose in 100 milliliters of blood (mg/dL):

5. What factors can affect HbA1C results?

Several factors can increase the risk of false HbA1C results, including:
Kidney failure, liver disease or severe anemia. People with certain blood disorders such as sickle cell anemia or thalassemia. Certain medications, such as opioids and some HIV medications. Blood loss or blood transfusion. Early or late pregnancy. So when you have the test you should provide this additional information and ask about additional testing if needed.

6. How to set the goal of reducing blood sugar A1C accordingly?

The common goal for most people with type 2 diabetes is 7% or less. However, the extent is variable depending on many factors such as age and comorbidities. You should consult with your doctor to set an appropriate goal.
Young people with diabetes have many years to go with the disease, so the goal of reducing blood sugar should be lower than older adults to reduce the risk of complications (unless hypoglycemia is present). frequently) is preferably less than 6.5%. Meanwhile, older adults with multiple comorbidities can aim for higher A1C levels that can range from 7 to 8%.
The HbA1C test helps to evaluate blood sugar continuously for 3 months, it is different from the glucose index test that only evaluates blood sugar 1 point in time. For example, two people have the same HbA1C, but one person's blood sugar can fluctuate up and down during the day and the other is stable. Therefore, if there are signs of high or low blood sugar while your HbA1C is in the normal range, check your HbA1C at different times of the day and notify your doctor to plan a change in treatment. .
Diabetes is a dangerous disease and can leave many complications, so when you are at risk of diabetes or have signs of pre-diabetes, you need to immediately change your lifestyle, maintain a healthy lifestyle and maintain a healthy lifestyle. proper nutrition, regular health check-ups, and pre-diabetes diagnostic tests to detect the condition early to have the most appropriate treatment regimen.
Currently, at Vinmec International General Hospital, we are implementing a screening package for diabetes and dyslipidemia to help detect pre-diabetes early, accurately classify diabetes type, and develop a regimen nutrition, monitoring to minimize the risks and complications caused by diabetes.
All examination and screening procedures are performed by well-trained, experienced and specialized endocrinologists, which will bring optimal treatment effects to customers.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.

References: cdc.gov, mayoclinic.org