Advanced Diabetes (HbA1C) Blood Test

The combination of HbA1c and Random Glucose tests provides a comprehensive view of a person’s blood sugar status, with distinct benefits for diagnosing and managing diabetes. Here are the advantages of these two biomarkers together:

1. HbA1c Test (Glycated Hemoglobin)

• Long-Term Blood Sugar Control: HbA1c measures the average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months, giving a clear picture of how well blood sugar has been managed over time. This is useful for diagnosing diabetes and monitoring long-term blood sugar control.

• Predicts Complications: Elevated HbA1c levels indicate a higher risk of complications such as heart disease, kidney problems, and nerve damage. Monitoring HbA1c helps in adjusting treatment plans to prevent these issues.

• Convenient: Unlike other blood tests, HbA1c does not require fasting and provides a more consistent measurement of blood glucose control over an extended period.

• Tracking Progress: It allows healthcare providers to assess the effectiveness of treatment plans and make necessary adjustments to medications or lifestyle recommendations.

2. Random Glucose Test

• Instant Blood Glucose Snapshot: The random glucose test measures blood glucose levels at any given time, regardless of when the person last ate. This provides an immediate reading of how blood sugar levels are fluctuating throughout the day, which can be valuable for detecting severe hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia.

• Diagnoses Diabetes or Pre-Diabetes Quickly: Random glucose levels above certain thresholds can indicate diabetes or prediabetes. It is a useful test for detecting acute changes in blood sugar, especially in people who may not regularly monitor their glucose levels.

• Detects Unexpected Fluctuations: The random glucose test can help identify sudden spikes or drops in blood sugar that might not be apparent in the long-term HbA1c test, offering real-time insights into how a person’s body is responding to food, stress, exercise, or medication.

• No Preparation Needed: Since the test is taken at any random time, it does not require fasting, making it easier for people to get tested.

Combined Benefits of HbA1c and Random Glucose Tests:

1. Comprehensive Picture of Blood Sugar Control: HbA1c provides a long-term view, while the random glucose test gives a snapshot of immediate blood glucose levels. Together, they offer a more complete understanding of a person’s blood sugar management.

2. Early Detection of Diabetes: Combining these tests helps to identify diabetes or prediabetes more effectively. While HbA1c detects long-term trends, random glucose levels can flag acute instances of high blood sugar, aiding in early intervention.

3. Tailored Treatment Plans: The two tests together enable healthcare providers to design more precise treatment plans. The HbA1c result helps track overall blood sugar control, while the random glucose test helps detect patterns or fluctuations that may require specific adjustments in medication or lifestyle.

4. Greater Diagnostic Accuracy: Using both tests together increases diagnostic accuracy, especially in ambiguous cases where one test alone might not be enough to confirm diabetes or prediabetes.

In summary, the combination of HbA1c and Random Glucose tests gives a robust approach for diagnosing and managing diabetes, providing both long-term trends and immediate insights into blood sugar fluctuations. This enhances the ability to prevent complications and make necessary adjustments to treatment.

The symptoms of diabetes include frequent urination, fatigue, unexpected weight loss, and extreme thirst. Some of these symptoms are caused by excess sugar that your body does not use for energy, which is left in your blood and attaches itself to haemoglobin - the part of the red blood cell that carries oxygen.

The more glucose there is in your bloodstream, the more glucose builds up in your cells. This sugar binding to molecules is one-way diabetes causes physical damage and health problems. If you're concerned about developing type 2 diabetes, speak to a health care provider.

Our most advanced diabetes test measures blood glucose and HbA1c (or glycosylated haemoglobin), a measure of the sugar in your bloodstream over the previous eight weeks.

Unlike a regular blood sugar test, HbA1c is not affected by short-term changes. So, even though you may have had high blood sugar on occasion, an HbA1c result within the normal range can show that your blood sugar levels are under control overall. An elevated result will signify pre-diabetes or even diabetes itself. Measuring blood sugar is part of diagnosing and managing diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder whereby the pancreas fails to produce insulin. Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disease caused by over-consumption of sugar, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle.

In the early stages, you may be able to reverse or manage type 2 diabetes through lifestyle changes by cutting down on sugar and losing weight. In later stages, you may need to control it with medication and insulin.