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HbA1cDefinition HbA1c is a test that measures the amount of glycosylated hemoglobin in your blood. The test gives a good estimate of how well diabetes is being managed over time. How the test is performed Blood is drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The puncture site is cleaned with antiseptic. An elastic band is placed around the upper arm to apply pressure and cause the vein to swell with blood. A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. During the procedure, the band is removed to restore circulation. Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding. In infants or young children: The area is cleansed with antiseptic and punctured with a sharp needle or a lancet. The blood may be collected in a pipette (small glass tube), on a slide, onto a test strip, or into a small container. A bandage may be applied to the puncture site if there is any bleeding. How to prepare for the test No special preparation in necessary. You do not need to fast (stop eating). How the test will feel When the needle is inserted to draw blood, you may feel moderate pain, or only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing. Why the test is performed This test measures blood sugar control over an extended period in people with diabetes. In general, the higher your HbA1c value, the higher the risk that you will develop problems such as eye disease, kidney disease, nerve damage, heart disease, and stroke. This is especially true if your HbA1c remains elevated on more than one occasion. The closer your HbA1c value is to normal, the less risk you have for these complications. Normally, only a small percentage of the hemoglobin (Hb) molecules in red blood cells become glycosylated (that is, chemically linked to glucose). The percent of glycosylation increases over time, and is higher if there is more glucose in your blood. Therefore, older red blood cells will have a greater percent of glycosylated hemoglobin, and diabetics whose blood glucose has been too high will have a greater percent of glycosylated hemoglobin. Normal Values HbA1c is normal if it is 5% or less. Normal ranges may vary slightly depending on the laboratory used. What abnormal results mean The test can show that your blood glucose levels have not been well-regulated over a period of weeks to months. If the HbA1c value is above 7%, it means your diabetes is poorly controlled. High values mean you are at greater risk of diabetic complications. If you can bring your level down, you decrease your chances of long-term complications. You should try to keep your level below 7%. Ask your doctor how often you should have your Hb A1c tested (usually every 3 or 6 months is recommended). What the risks are Risks related to getting your blood drawn include:
Special considerations Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others. Page Content: Glycosylated hemoglobin; Hemoglobin - glycosylated; A1C; GHb; Glycohemoglobin; Diabetic control index ; glycosylated hemoglobin; glycosylated hemoglobin test; glycohemoglobin; glycohemoglobin test; hemoglobin a1c; a1c; a1c test; a1c level; hgb a1c; hemoglobin a1c test; diabetes a1c; a1c blood test; a1c home test; diabetes a1c test; a1c chart; a1c test result; a1c testing; hemoglobin a1c chart; a1c test kit; a1c now; normal a1c; a1c hgb measure; hemaglobin a1c; a1c result; choice dm a1c; a1c diaes test; a1c range; home a1c testing; hemoglobin a1c result; a1c canada diabetes hemoglobin; choice a1c; hb a1c; hemoglobin a1c level; normal a1c level; a1c blood sugar; diabetes hemoglobin a1c; a1c numbers; choice a1c home test; choice dm a1c home test; a1c reading; dom c3 a1c c3 ad zv c3 ad c5 99ata; a1c control; normal hemoglobin a1c; hgb a1c level; glycosylated hemoglobin; glycosylated hemoglobin test |
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