What is HbA1c and who needs it?

HbA1c is a test commonly used for people with Diabetes. You might be thinking that you can do that too by using glucose strips to check for blood sugar. Though the purpose is the same; the process is entirely different. Glucose strips can check your current sugar levels, while HbA1c test can give you the average result by checking your glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) which can reflect your average amount of glucose in your system for the last 8-12weeks.

Advantages for lowering HbA1c

• Reduces Microvascular complications such as Retinopathy, Neuropathy and Diabetic Nephropathy or Kidney Disease.
• Lowering HbA1c for people suffering type 2 diabetes can lower the chances of suffering cataracts, heart failure, amputation or death due to peripheral vascular disease
• For planning and pregnant women: Can minimize the risk of babies developing congenital malformations

When should I get tested?

• People with a number of risk factors for type 2 diabetes such as being overweight or obese or having a close family member with type 2
• Anyone with Diabetes should undergo HbA1c testing at least once a year
• Monthly basis for anyone planning to get pregnant and during the first trimester for pregnant women
• Anyone with Diabetes whose medication had recently changed
• And as often as needed as prescribed by your physician