How beneficial is Hba1c test?
Sugar level is checked after fasting and eating, but if a month’s sugar level data is to be obtained then HbA1c test is considered a standard method across the world. With this, the average blood sugar of the last 2 to 3 months is known. In many people, the diagnosis of diabetes, treatment and medicines depend only on this one test, but a recent study in the medical journal The Lancet states that using the HbA1c test alone does not accurately identify diabetes.
The author of this research, Professor Dr. Anoop Mishra, says that HbA1c Not suitable for every person. In people who have problems related to hemoglobin, anemia due to iron deficiency, then in such people the level of HbA1c can be more or less even without diabetes.
Dr. Anoop says that HbA1c level directly tells about the hemoglobin associated with glucose in the blood, but if the amount of hemoglobin is not correct then HbA1c cannot give complete information about the correct sugar level. Because of this, diabetes of some people may be detected late.
Why will diabetes be detected late?
Dr. Anoop says that relying on HbA1c test to identify diabetes can delay the diagnosis of diabetes by up to 4 years. Especially in men who have G6PD deficiency. This delays diagnosis and treatment of the disease. In such a situation, people are advised to check fasting sugar level and post meal sugar level if they see symptoms of increasing sugar level. Avoid relying only on HbA1c test.
Do get these two tests done
Dr. Anoop says that in any matter related to diabetes, definitely consult your doctor. If both your fasting and post-meal sugar levels are increased, then start treatment. With this, the disease can be easily prevented before it becomes serious. But if it is delayed then diabetes can be dangerous for the entire body.
Do not ignore these symptoms of sugar level
feeling thirsty again and again
loss of appetite
excessive thirst
blurred vision