1080. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c)
Description
Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c, also known as glycosylated hemoglobin) is a laboratory test that reflects average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months. It is one of the key indicators for diagnosing and managing diabetes. It allows for the early detection of carbohydrate metabolism disorders, even in the absence of symptoms. Elevated HbA1c levels may indicate long-term elevated blood sugar and indicate the risk of complications (particularly those affecting the cardiovascular system, kidneys, vision, and nervous system).
When and who needs the test?
Research is recommended:
- for screening and diagnosis of diabetes and prediabetes (including in the absence of symptoms);
- for regular monitoring of treatment effectiveness – usually every few months;
- if there are risk factors – excess body weight, hypertension, hereditary predisposition;
- with characteristic symptoms – increased thirst, frequent urination, chronic fatigue;
- as an annual preventive examination to assess the general state of health.
The advantage of the test is that it does not require strict fasting and does not depend on short-term glucose fluctuations.
Biological material
- Venous blood
Preparing for a blood test
In order to exclude factors that may affect the test results, we recommend to follow the preparation rules:
- an important condition for laboratory tests is to take blood on an empty stomach.
- 6-12 hours before the test, you should avoid eating, drinking alcohol, smoking, and limit physical activity. Drinking...
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