Globally, diabetes is becoming a more serious problem, with India having the second-highest rate of diabetic patients behind China. Year by year, the case of diabetes is growing. One of the primary reasons behind this is the lack of regular full body checkups. There are different types of health body checkups one can undergo, and one such is the HbA1C. If you are undergoing a full body checkup in Bangalore, you can also cover the HbA1c test. This article presents the role of the HbA1c test as a part of full-body checkups.
What is the HbA1c Test?
The HBA1c test is a popular blood test to determine average blood glucose levels over the previous two to three months. In addition to being used to monitor and diagnose diabetes, it helps to evaluate the general health of the cardiovascular system by medical specialists.
The physician typically recommends this test to diagnose diabetes or pre-diabetes signs. In addition, individuals with diabetes and pre-diabetes are recommended to take this test to monitor their blood sugar levels and assess how well their therapy is working. It enables the physician to adjust the dosage of the medication as needed. The patient must take medicine and adjust their lifestyle if their HbA1c level exceeds the normal range.
Additionally, most clinics omit HbA1c from their standard blood tests. You’ll need to request it specifically from a medical specialist. Conversely, some people opt for private blood tests in London, which comprehensively include HbA1c alongside blood counts, blood chemistry, hormone tests, etc., offering a faster and more complete picture.
Signs that you may need an HbA1c Test
People with Type II diabetes often undergo the HbA1C Test regularly to check if their blood glucose levels are within safe ranges. To determine if the recommended course of therapy is effective or whether the medications need to be changed, doctors also prescribe this test every three to six months. Besides, there are some signs you may come across demanding this HbA1c test-
- Increased Thirst
- Frequent Urination
- Uncontrolled Hunger
- Dizziness and Fatigue
- Weight Loss Without Trying
- Periodic Infections
What is the Procedure to undergo the HbA1C Test?
You don’t have to fast or take other measures to undergo the HbA1C test. Your arm will be used to draw a tiny blood sample, and the results will be ready in a few minutes.
Diabetes is diagnosed with the HBA1c test, which is also used to track blood sugar levels in those with the disease. Your doctor may modify your treatment plan based on the test results to control blood sugar.
For the test, a blood sample is drawn straight from the vein. It is best to connect with the right lab to get the test done and get accurate results. If you have any health issues, you should bring it to the physician’s notice.
How does the HbA1C Test Works?
Glucose is the most common type of blood sugar found in our body. Glucose interacts with hemoglobin in red blood cells when blood glucose levels rise. The HbA1c test determines the average quantity of hemoglobin bound to glucose during the previous several months. The average life span of red blood cells is three months. So, when you undergo this test, you get the report of the last three months. The HbA1c test results won’t be below normal if the patient has a high blood sugar level. Typically, a doctor’s suggestion is used to proceed with this test.
What are the Reasons Impacting HbA1C levels in the body?
There are different reasons why HbA1C levels change in the body. Some of these are-
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Kidney Failure
The body’s waste elimination deviates from the intended limits because of kidney failure. The body accumulates acid because of renal failure. The RBC proteins are altered by these acid levels, resulting in elevated HbA1C levels without hyperglycemia. Thus, if you have a documented medical history and higher HbA1C values, your doctor may suggest a kidney function test (KFT).
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Liver Failure
Uncontrolled Type II diabetes can cause liver disease or a person with a liver illness may have reduced insulin resistance, which lowers the A1C. The doctors advise a Liver Function Test (LFT) and an HbA1C Test in Delhi for both problems.
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Drugs & Medication
A few substances can alter the body’s HbA1C levels. Your HbA1C readings may be elevated if you have been taking beta-2 stimulators, painkillers, caffeine, or antibiotics. In these situations, the physicians frequently advise repeat testing to determine whether the status is erroneously elevated or prediabetic/diabetic.
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Blood Transfusions
A low HbA1C in your body does not necessarily mean that you have diabetes. It may occur if you have recently had blood transfusions or blood loss for any cause.
HbA1c Test Cost in Bangalore
The HbA1C test cost is determined by a number of variables, including location and city. For eg, HbA1c test price in Bangalore is Rs 399/-.
How can you Lower the HbA1c Level?
There are different ways to lower the HbA1C levels. Some of these are-
- Modification of diet: Limit your consumption of carbohydrates to what your body needs. Also, stay away from junk food.
- Exercise: It lowers HbA1c levels and is essential for glucose utilization.
- Medication for diabetes: Blood sugar-lowering medications have a significant effect on HbA1c levels as well.
- Maintaining an average HbA1c level also requires routine blood sugar monitoring.
- Maintain a healthy regimen: Eat your meals on schedule. Avoid skipping meals and avoid eating right before bed.
Conclusion
In essence, the HbA1c test serves as a fundamental tool not only in diabetes diagnosis but also in assessing overall health, emphasizing the critical role it plays within comprehensive full-body checkups. Regular monitoring and necessary lifestyle modifications form the crux of managing and optimizing HbA1c levels, thereby contributing significantly to one’s well-being amidst the rising diabetes epidemic.
