HbA1C in prediabetes
Medically Reviewed by Dr Sravya, MBBS, MS
Diabetes mellitus is a disease distinguished by hyperglycemia developed from inadequacy in insulin secretion, action, or both. Prediabetes is a state for diabetes that is determined by glycemic variables that are higher than normal, but lower than diabetes thresholds HbA1c is a blood test which is used to measure average blood sugar levels of an individual over the past 2-3 months. It is one of the most commonly used tests for diagnosis of prediabetes and diabetes conditions.
It is the biomarker used for long-term glycemic control in individuals with diabetes, and it corresponds with the development of complications. HbA1C in prediabetes and type 2 diabetes screening has been recommended for the last 13 years. Prediabetes is associated with the coexistence of insulin resistance and β-cell dysfunction. These can be the abnormalities that start before glucose changes are detectable. HbA1c is also determined by genetic factors independent of blood glucose levels and also can be a general method to measure average blood sugar.
What is HbA1C?
HbA1c is also known as glycated haemoglobin and this blood test measures average blood sugar levels of an individual over the past 2-3 months. It is the most important test for people with prediabetes and diabetes. It can help to identify those individuals who are at high risk of developing these complications. HbA1c is formed by the attachment of glucose to haemoglobin. Haemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells (RBC). RBC lasts for about 3 months, so the HbA1c test measures the average blood sugar levels of a person over that period. A normal HbA1c level is less than 5.7% and 5.7% to 6.4% indicates the Hrediabetic range of HbA1c. HbA1c level 6.5% or more indicates diabetes. It has been proven that the higher your HbA1c level there is greater risk of developing problems associated with diabetes, such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, and nerve damage. Many factors can affect HbA1c levels of an individual, such as diet, exercise, weight, meditation, and medical conditions. If you have prediabetes, it is important to check the level of HbA1c in prediabetes regularly. This will help you to track and make sure that your blood sugar levels are under control.
What is prediabetes?
Prediabetesis a condition in which blood sugar levels in body are higher than the normal range, but not that high enough which is to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. The exact cause for prediabetes is not fully understood, but it is thought to be caused by genetic as well as environmental factors together.
There are some risk factors for prediabetes:
- Obesity
- Family history of diabetes
- Being inactive
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Certain medical conditions, such as Cushing's syndrome
Prediabetes symptoms come with increased thirst, increased urination, fatigue, and blurred vision. There is no cure available for prediabetes, but there are things you can do to lower your risk including, eating healthy food, doing regular exercise, managing stress, maintaining a healthy weight, etc.
HbA1c in prediabetes
The HbA1C test is a key marker for early detection and management of prediabetes. A normal HbA1c level is 5.7% or less. A prediabetic range of HbA1C is 5.7% to 6.4%. The higher your HbA1c level, the greater your risk of developing type 2 diabetes and other health complications. For example, a person with HbA1c level of 6.4% has a 70% chance of developing type 2 diabetes within the next 10 years. Testing HbA1C in prediabetes is a goal for people with prediabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), people who have prediabetes should aim to maintain their HbA1c levels below 6.0 percent and this will prevent type 2 diabetes and other complications. Performing HbA1C test in prediabetes is more accurate for diagnosing prediabetes than a fasting blood glucose or oral glucose tolerance test. In an individual with prediabetes, HbLC1 levels are often elevated. This is because insulin resistance is a hallmark of prediabetes. Insulin resistance is the condition when the cells don't respond to insulin properly, the hormone that helps glucose enter the cells. When insulin resistance increases, more glucose remains in the blood and that leads to elevated HbLC1 levels. Elevated HbLC1 levels are an indicator of poor blood sugar control. Along with the HbA1C role in blood sugar control, HbA1C is also involved in cell growth and differentiation process, inflammation, and oxidative stress. HbLC1 can lead to inflammation, which can damage cells and tissues. Inflammation is also a major factor in the development of prediabetes. HbLC1 may promote oxidative stress which produces free radicals that damage the cells and DNA involved in insulin production. HbLC1 helps glucose to enter the cells by binding to it and transporting it across the cell membrane. However, in people with prediabetes, HbLC1 is less effective at transporting glucose into cells. This leads to elevated HbLC1 levels and reduced glucose uptake by cells. HbLC1 can bind to DNA and alter gene expression, it can interfere with insulin signaling which results in changes in cellular function that contribute to the development of prediabetes
Following are some of the benefits of using HbA1c test to diagnose prediabetes:
- It is a more precise test as compared to fasting blood glucose or oral glucose tolerance test.
- It is a simple test to perform.
- It is a very less expensive test.
How will you manage the prediabetic range of HbA1C?
If you have prediabetes, it is important to talk with a doctor for consultation and get a treatment plan to lower your HbA1c levels. This plan may include lifestyle changes or your doctor may also prescribe medications to help lower your risk.
Here are some tips that will help you to manage HbA1c levels in prediabetes:
- Your diet: Eating a healthy diet which contains low processed foods including fruits in high quantity, vegetables, and whole grains can be helpful to lower your HbA1c levels.
- Exercise habits: Exercising regularly can help to lower your HbA1c levels.
- Healthy weight management: If you are overweight or obese losing weight can help to lower your HbA1c levels. Take a proper diet to maintain weight according to your BMI.
- Medications: Certain medications can affect your HbA1c levels. Give all correct information to your doctor about any medications you are taking that may be affecting your HbA1c levels.
- Regular testing: It is important to have your HbA1c levels tested regularly which will be helpful for you to track your progress and make sure that your blood sugar levels are under control.
Frequently Asked Questions
HbA1c is also known as glycated haemoglobin and this blood test measures average blood sugar levels of an individual over the past 2-3
months.
A normal HbA1c level is 5.7% or less. A prediabetic range of HbA1C is
5.7% to 6.4%.
To lower HbA1C levels in prediabetes, take a healthy diet, do regular exercise, maintain a healthy weight, do meditation, and follow regular
HbA1C tests.
Your doctor will recommend how often you should get your HbA1c levels tested. Generally, it is recommended that people with prediabetes get their HbA1c levels tested at least once a year.
Not necessarily everyone will develop type 2 diabetes. However, people with prediabetes are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. If you have prediabetes, it is very important to talk with a doctor to get your treatment plan to lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes and other complications associated with it.