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Think of HbA1c as your blood sugar’s diary, recording the highs and lows of glucose levels. It measures the percentage of glucose that has stuck to your hemoglobin—the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. This “sugar coating” gives a snapshot of how well you’ve managed your blood sugar over the past two to three months. Unlike a daily glucose test, HbA1c doesn’t fluctuate with what you ate that day or how active you’ve been just before the test. It’s a crucial indicator for managing diabetes, showing whether your overall sugar levels have been in the target zone. The International Federation of Clinical Chemistry (IFCC) biomarker was developed to standardise international reporting of HbA1c. In Australia, both methods are reported concurrently.
Testing HbA1c is essential for anyone managing diabetes, whether it’s Type 1, Type 2, or gestational. It helps you and your healthcare provider understand if your treatment plan is working or if adjustments are needed. For those not diagnosed with diabetes, it can serve as an early warning system, indicating prediabetes or the risk of developing diabetes.
Several factors can influence HbA1c levels, including diet, physical activity, medication compliance, illness, stress, and other endocrine disorders. Consistency in lifestyle choices and treatment adherence play critical roles in managing this biomarker effectively.
Managing HbA1c involves maintaining stable blood sugar levels through a balanced diet rich in fiber and low in processed sugars, regular physical activity, and consistent medication use if prescribed. Regular monitoring and consultations with a healthcare provider are vital for adjustments and to prevent complications.
Managing HbA1c involves maintaining stable blood sugar levels through a balanced diet rich in fiber and low in processed sugars, regular physical activity, and consistent medication use if prescribed. Regular monitoring and consultations with a healthcare provider are vital for adjustments and to prevent complications.
