If you have ever been tested for diabetes, then the chances are your doctor will have made use of the diabetes A1C test. This particular test is the industry standard, but many people end up confused because the test has a number of different names. Also, many people have lots of other questions regarding the test, and in the next few paragraphs, I am going to try and answer the most common questions.
By What Other Names Is The A1C Test Known?
1. A1C Test
2. Hemoglobin A1c
3. HbA1c
4. Glycohemoglobin test
How Exactly Does The A1C Test Work?
If you were to ask someone in a medical laboratory this question, I am sure they could give you an answer that would take up several pages. Simply put however, the A1C test is based upon the fact that glucose (blood sugar) attaches itself to a particular protein in red blood cells known as hemoglobin. The average lifespan of a red blood cell is about three months, so in essence, the A1C test will show what your glucose levels have been during the three months leading up to the date of your test.
If you were to ask someone in a medical laboratory this question, I am sure they could give you an answer that would take up several pages. Simply put however, the A1C test is based upon the fact that glucose (blood sugar) attaches itself to a particular protein in red blood cells known as hemoglobin. The average lifespan of a red blood cell is about three months, so in essence, the A1C test will show what your glucose levels have been during the three months leading up to the date of your test.
A1C test results are universally given as a percentage. The higher your percentage is, the higher your blood sugar level is. A reading of 5.7% or lower is considered normal, and would indicate that you currently have nothing to worry about.
Can The Test Be Used For Diagnosing Pre-Diabetes And Type 2 Diabetes?
Up until 2009, pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes was diagnosed using conventional blood sugar tests, but this is no longer always the case. In 2009 an international committee recommended that the diabetes A1C be used instead. This was largely due to it being easier and more convenient, which in turn had the potential to significantly reduce the number of people living with undiagnosed diabetes. Interestingly enough, some doctors are still using traditional blood tests for diagnosing pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes.
Up until 2009, pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes was diagnosed using conventional blood sugar tests, but this is no longer always the case. In 2009 an international committee recommended that the diabetes A1C be used instead. This was largely due to it being easier and more convenient, which in turn had the potential to significantly reduce the number of people living with undiagnosed diabetes. Interestingly enough, some doctors are still using traditional blood tests for diagnosing pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes.
What Is The Significance Of Being Tested?
In the early stages of the disease there are generally no symptoms, which in turn makes routine testing incredibly valuable. As with almost all diseases, the earlier diabetes is diagnosed, the easier it is to control it. When caught in the very early stages, it can often be controlled simply by making a few dietary changes and a few lifestyle changes. If the disease is allowed to progress without any intervention, very serious complications can arise which can lead to blindness; amputations, and etc.
In the early stages of the disease there are generally no symptoms, which in turn makes routine testing incredibly valuable. As with almost all diseases, the earlier diabetes is diagnosed, the easier it is to control it. When caught in the very early stages, it can often be controlled simply by making a few dietary changes and a few lifestyle changes. If the disease is allowed to progress without any intervention, very serious complications can arise which can lead to blindness; amputations, and etc.
People with a A1C reading of 5.7% to 6.4% are considered to have pre-diabetes, which unfortunately means they are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes within the next ten years. Fortunately, if adequate measures are taken, the pre-diabetics can often prevent type 2 diabetes altogether, or at least delay it considerably.
For a wealth of information pertaining to diabetes and the diabetes A1C test, please consider visiting my blog at http://www.completediabetesinformation.com where you will also find lots of info on various natural remedies. By V K Rajagopalan
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