What is an HbA1c Lab Test? Hemoglobin A1c Lab Tests, also called A1c, HbA1c, or glycated hemoglobin is a test that measures the average amount of blood sugar (also called glucose) attached to your hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein that helps carry oxygen throughout your body. HbA1c lab tests are usually ordered to manage or screen for prediabetes and diabetes in adults. What is diabetes? Diabetes is a chronic condition in which the body does not properly process food into energy. When we eat food (particularly carbohydrates) the body turns it into glucose (sugar), the substance our body uses as energy. Insulin - a naturally occurring hormone - is made by the pancreas to help cells absorb glucose. Diabetes causes the body to either not produce enough insulin or use it inefficiently. This causes the blood sugar, or blood glucose levels, to get too high (hyperglycemia). What are the different types of diabetes? There are four primary types of diabetes, which may be screened for or managed with regular HbA1C tests. The different forms of diabetes are detailed below. - Prediabetes: This is when your blood sugar is too high, but not high enough for your doctor to diagnose it as diabetes. It can, however, increase your risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. More than a third of all people in the United States have prediabetes, though most are unaware of it. Exercising more and losing weight can lower the risk of it progressing. Type 1 diabetes: Also known as insulin-dependent diabetes, type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition. It occurs when your body attacks your pancreas with antibodies causing the organ to stop producing insulin. Type 1 diabetes usually appears in adolescence. Most people are born with Type 1 diabetes and do not develop the disease as a result of obesity or other health conditions. Genetics is the most common risk factor for this form of diabetes - Type 2 diabetes: With type 2 diabetes, the pancreas usually produces some insulin, but either doesn't produce enough, or the body doesn't use it correctly. About 90% of people who have diabetes have type 2. People who are obese (more than 20% over their target body weight) are at higher risk of type 2 diabetes. - Gestational diabetes: Pregnancy often causes some amount of insulin resistance. When your body is unable to adequately manage blood sugar levels as a result of hormone changes during pregnancy, you may develop gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes occurs in about 2%-10% of pregnancies and it usually goes away after birth. However, about 10% of women who have gestational diabetes are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes later on. How are HbA1C Tests performed? To diagnose prediabetes or diabetes, the HbA1C test is performed by taking a sample of blood via a needle inserted in the arm. You will usually receive your results a day or two after your second test. As a form of diabetes management, a smaller amount of blood will be drawn via a prick on the tip of the finger. This, and the intravenous needle insertion, may be slightly painful, but this sensation is generally mild and will pass within a few seconds. How do I prepare for an A1c test? No preparation is needed. Feel free to eat and drink normally before the test. How long does it take to book an HbA1C Lab Test? Sesame is the fastest way to book an HbA1C lab test - at the best cash price. Use our booking platform to schedule a lab test directly at the most convenient Quest lab near you. This takes about 2 minutes. Once you’ve finished checking out, we send your order directly to the lab so you can get your blood work done that day - often with results in 24 hours. That’s convenience you won’t find anywhere else. Sources: Mayo Clinic. A1C test. Accessed 12/6/21. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/a1c-test/about/pac-20384643 Medline. HbA1c. Accessed 12/6/21. https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/hemoglobin-a1c-hba1c-test/ Quest Diagnostics. Hemoglobin A1c. Accessed 12/6/21. https://questdirect.questdiagnostics.com/products/hemoglobin-a1c/c3ebbc16-d785-42f4-a1df-88496578b3af?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=71700000061589883&utm_content=58700006037573385&utm_term=p54941205988&gclid=CjwKCAiA-9uNBhBTEiwAN3IlNH8VHV8elm27ZrnQXYdh1IhjuBpTWOwqjDq5arkkVStbxdebYzpqEhoCqbwQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
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HbA1c test results and diabetes