Decoding HbA1c Test for Blood Sugar - Clinical significance of the HbA1cTest

Clinical significance of the HbA1c Test

The Glycosylated Hemoglobin Test is recommended for:

a) ensuring blood sugar control in the pre-diabetic, and,

b) monitoring blood sugar control in diabetes patients.

Better treatment for hyperglycemia is possible with the HbA1c test, which reveals a lot more on glycemic behavior than a fasting blood sugar value. Having said that, fasting blood sugar tests are no less crucial in taking treatment decisions.

Usual, and preferred, practice is to perform the glycosylated hemoglobin test at least twice in a year. It can be performed more often (like quarterly) in patients who have recently changed therapy methods or those who aren’t meeting their glycemic goals. Hence this is the “Quality Control Test” for the monitoring of blood sugar.

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The common problems with a fasting blood sugar test is that the glucose levels tend to alter quickly with changes in exercise pattern, food intake etc. This can often be misleading to the doctor. This is where the HbA1c calculator comes into the picture. By monitoring blood glucose over a period of time, it helps the doctor understand the actual improvement/decline in the patient’s glucose levels.(6^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Significance of HbA1c Test in Diagnosis and Prognosis of Diabetic Patients

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