Home›Diabetes Screening (HbA1C & Fasting Sugar)

Content created by

Written by

B.Pharm

Reviewed by

Dr. Ashish Ranjan

MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

Want to know more?
Read our Editorial Policy

Diabetes Screening (HbA1C & Fasting Sugar)

Also known as Diabetes Panel

Diabetes Screening (HbA1C & Fasting Sugar) Includes 2 testsView All

₹478~~₹635~~ 24% Off

You need to provide

Blood

This test is for

Male, Female

Test Preparation

Overnight fasting (8-12 hrs) is required. Do not eat or drink anything except water before the test.

Understanding Diabetes Screening (HbA1C & Fasting Sugar)

What is Diabetes Screening (HbA1C & Fasting Sugar)?

The Diabetes Screening (HbA1C & Fasting Sugar) test includes two blood tests, namely fasting blood sugar level and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), that help estimate your blood sugar levels, assess your risk of developing diabetes, and monitor its treatment progress. This test is often done as part of a routine health checkup.

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the body’s ability to process blood sugar. If left untreated, it can lead to a range of health conditions. The signs and symptoms of diabetes include increased thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision, fatigue, and slow healing of wounds. However, some individuals with diabetes may not experience any symptoms at all.

The Diabetes Screening (HbA1C & Fasting Sugar) test combines fasting blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin tests. A fasting blood sugar test helps measure the blood sugar levels after an overnight fasting state, while glycosylated hemoglobin measures the average blood sugar levels over a period of 2 to 3 months.

Your doctor may suggest the Diabetes Screening (HbA1C & Fasting Sugar) test if you show symptoms suggestive of diabetes, such as nerve damage, vision problems, heart disease, chronic kidney disease, etc. Furthermore, this test is also used to monitor the progress of individuals undergoing diabetes treatment.

Usually, overnight fasting (8 to 12 hours) is preferred before a diabetes screening test. Do not eat or drink anything except water before the test. It is also essential to inform the doctor about any medicines you are taking, as some may affect blood glucose levels and need to be adjusted or temporarily discontinued before the test.

Test result ranges are approximate and may differ slightly between labs depending on the methodology and laboratory guidelines. Talk to your doctor about your specific test results. The results will help them evaluate your medical condition and formulate an overall treatment plan.

What is Diabetes Screening (HbA1C & Fasting Sugar) used for?

The Diabetes Screening (HbA1C & Fasting Sugar) test is done:

As part of routine health checkups to measure blood glucose levels.
If you have symptoms of altered blood glucose levels, such as weight gain, weight loss, blurred vision, frequent urge to urinate, or confusion.
To assess the risk of diabetes and prediabetes and monitor diabetes treatment.
To screen pregnant women for gestational diabetes.
If you have a family history of diabetes, are above 45 years, and are overweight.

What does Diabetes Screening (HbA1C & Fasting Sugar) measure?

Contains 2 tests

The Diabetes Screening (HbA1C & Fasting Sugar) test includes a glycosylated hemoglobin test and a glucose-fasting blood test. The glycosylated hemoglobin test measures the percentage of glycosylated hemoglobin in the blood, while a glucose-fasting blood test measures the glucose level during fasting. Glucose is the main form of sugar utilized by the body to release energy; it is absorbed by the intestine and distributed to all organs through blood. These tests help your doctor to monitor your blood sugar levels and manage your diabetes well.

HbA1c (Hemoglobin A1c)

An HbA1c (Hemoglobin A1c) test precisely measures the percentage of sugar-coated or glycated hemoglobin in your blood. The test results represent the proportion of hemoglobin in your blood that has been glycated.

Hemoglobin, a vital protein found in red blood cells, is responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body. Hemoglobin A is the most abundant form of hemoglobin, and when blood sugar levels increase, a higher proportion of hemoglobin A becomes glycated. As red blood cells have a lifespan of approximately 120 days, the sugar molecules remain attached to the hemoglobin for the duration of the cell's life. Consequently, the HbA1c test offers insight into your average blood sugar levels over the past 8 to 12 weeks.

Know more about HbA1c (Hemoglobin A1c)

FBS (Fasting Blood Sugar)

A fasting blood sugar test measures the glucose level in the body under overnight fasting conditions. Glucose serves as the body's energy currency and is broken down through metabolism to produce energy. Hormones and enzymes produced by the liver and pancreas control this process. The hormone insulin, produced by the pancreas, regulates blood glucose levels. When these levels are high, such as after a meal, insulin is secreted to transport glucose into cells for energy production. Elevated glucose levels in the body after fasting may indicate a risk of developing prediabetes or diabetes, which can be of two types- Type 1, caused by little or no insulin production, and Type 2, caused by insulin resistance or decreased insulin production.

Know more about FBS (Fasting Blood Sugar)

Interpreting Diabetes Screening (HbA1C & Fasting Sugar) results

Interpretations

Glycosylated Hemoglobin:

Normal: Below 5.7% (39 mmol/mol approx.)

Prediabetic: 5.7% - 6.4% (39 to 46 mmol/mol approx.)

Diabetic: Above 6.5% (above 48 mmol/mol approx.)

Less than 5.7% Glycated Hemoglobin indicates normal levels of blood sugar. Increased risk of developing Diabetes is found in Prediabetic patients with blood sugar levels between 5.7% and 6.4%. Patients with HbA1c levels greater than 6.5% are usually diagnosed with Diabetes.

Glucose - Fasting Blood:

Normal fasting glucose range: 70 to 99 mg/dL (3.9 to 5.5mmol/L)

Prediabetes: 99 to 126 mg/dL (5.5 mmol/L to 7.0 mmol/L)

Diabetes: Higher than 126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L) in multiple subsequent tests

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Diabetes Screening (HbA1C & Fasting Sugar)

Frequently Asked Questions about Diabetes Screening (HbA1C & Fasting Sugar)

Q. Why is the Diabetes Screening (HbA1C & Fasting Sugar) test important?

The Diabetes Screening (HbA1C & Fasting Sugar) test is important because it helps assess a person's risk of diabetes and other glucose metabolism disorders. It also helps monitor blood sugar levels over time in people with diabetes.

Q. How do I prepare for the Diabetes Screening (HbA1C & Fasting Sugar) test?

To prepare for this test, do not eat or drink anything except water for 8-12 hours before the test. It is also important to inform your doctor about any medications that you are taking, as some of them can affect your blood glucose levels and may need to be adjusted or temporarily discontinued before the test.

Q. What are the risks associated with the Diabetes Screening (HbA1C & Fasting Sugar) test?

The risks associated with the Diabetes Screening (HbA1C & Fasting Sugar) test are generally minimal. However, some people may experience mild pain or discomfort at the site from where the blood sample is taken, which is usually self-limiting.

Q. Can I take the Diabetes Screening (HbA1C & Fasting Sugar) test during pregnancy?

Yes, the Diabetes Screening (HbA1C & Fasting Sugar) test is commonly used during pregnancy to screen for gestational diabetes, which is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy.

Q. What is prediabetes?

Prediabetes is a condition in which an individual's blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes.

Q. What are some of the commonly used diabetes screening tests?

A diabetes screening test is a test that evaluates if an individual has diabetes risk or not. There are 3 different types of tests for diabetes screening: blood test, urine test, and gestational test. 1. Blood test includes: a). Glycosylated hemoglobin test that estimates how much sugar is attached to hemoglobin. b). A fasting blood glucose test that measures the blood sugar levels after a fasting period of 8-12 hours. c). A random blood glucose test that measures the blood glucose levels at any time of the day regardless of when you ate. d). Postprandial blood glucose test that measures the blood sugar levels 1-2 hours after eating a meal. e). An Insulin Fasting test that measures the level of insulin in the blood after overnight fasting. It helps identify type 2 diabetes. 2. Urine test includes: a). The measurement of ketone chemicals in the urine could indicate type 1 diabetes. 3. Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy and usually goes away after birth. Tests to detect it include: a). An initial glucose challenge test that measures the level of blood sugar one hour after the consumption of a glucose solution. b). A 2-hour glucose tolerance test that estimates blood sugar levels two hours after the consumption of glucose solution, and its out-of-normal values indicate gestational diabetes.

Q. Is a diabetes self-check machine available at Tata 1mg?

Yes, Tata 1mg has a variety of self-check diabetes products that are based on different methods of testing for blood sugar. You can choose a machine appropriate to your needs by visiting the Tata 1mg website.

+ more