Diabetes Screening (HbA1C & Fasting Sugar)

Also known as Diabetes Panel

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

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)?

A 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.

A 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 a 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?

A 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

A 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 level of glucose in the body under overnight fasting conditions. Glucose serves as the energy currency of the body and is broken down through metabolism to produce energy. This process is controlled by hormones and enzymes in organs such as the liver and pancreas. The hormone insulin, produced by the pancreas, is responsible for regulating 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 a Diabetes Screening (HbA1C & Fasting Sugar) test important?

A 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 a 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 a Diabetes Screening (HbA1C & Fasting Sugar) test?

The risks associated with a 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 a Diabetes Screening (HbA1C & Fasting Sugar) test during pregnancy?

Yes, a 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.