Could relying solely on the HbA1c test for diabetes be wrong? Learn the truth from an AIIMS doctor.

News Topical, Digital Desk : Do you also become happy when your HbA1c test report comes out below the normal range after noticing symptoms of diabetes? If you are not careful about your diet and fail to make lifestyle changes keeping diabetes in mind, this can be dangerous.

What are the reasons for this?

The most important factor in this is anemia, meaning a lower than normal level of red blood cells or hemoglobin. Subsequent reviews of this study have shown that the process of hemoglobin glycation, i.e., the binding of sugar to hemoglobin, may be different in Indians than in others, meaning elevated HbA1c levels can occur even in those who are not actually diabetic. 

It's worth noting that relying solely on the HbA1c test can have two major disadvantages: first, mistaking a healthy person for a diabetic can lead to unnecessary medication and mental stress. Second, those who are actually diabetic may go undiagnosed. If the disease isn't detected in time, its complications can increase. Patients with type 2 diabetes, in particular, require multiple tests. 

What the HbA1c test says 

The HbA1c test measures your average blood sugar level over the past few months. An HbA1c level of 6.5 percent or higher is usually considered diabetes, but it's not always appropriate for your doctor to start treatment based on this number alone.

This is the solution

The HbA1c test can't be completely ruled out, but a qualified doctor won't rely solely on this test to diagnose diabetes. They may also ask you to undergo a fasting blood sugar test and an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Additionally, certain symptoms of diabetes are also taken into special consideration.

It's not wrong to say that sugar testing should be done based on a person's overall condition, rather than just the test result. If you experience symptoms of diabetes, such as increased hunger, thirst, weight loss, or fatigue, consult a doctor for a comprehensive test, including fasting sugar, iron, hemoglobin, lipid profile, and kidney function tests. 

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