UNDERSTANDING HBA1C : THE KEY MARKER FOR LONG- TERM BLOOD SUGAR CONTROL BY MADIHA

I am Madiha a nutritionist at The Kenko Life.

If you or someone you love is living with diabetes or even just keeping an eye on blood sugar levels you’ve probably come across the term HbA1c. But what exactly is it, why is it important, and what do your numbers mean?

Let’s break it down in a simple format.

What Is HbA1c?

HbA1c stands for Hemoglobin A1c, also known as glycated hemoglobin. It’s a form of hemoglobin (the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen) that is chemically linked to sugar (glucose).

When you have glucose in your blood, some of it naturally binds to hemoglobin. The more sugar in your blood, the more it sticks to the hemoglobin. Because red blood cells live for about 2–3 months, the HbA1c test gives an average of your blood glucose levels over the past 8–12 weeks.

Why Is the HbA1c Test Important?

Unlike daily blood sugar tests (which measure glucose levels at one specific time), HbA1c gives a long-term picture of your blood sugar control. This is crucial for:

• Diagnosing diabetes and prediabetes

• Monitoring diabetes management

• Predicting the risk of diabetes-related complications

  
  

It's considered one of the most reliable tools for understanding overall blood sugar health.

What Do HbA1c Numbers Mean?

Here’s how HbA1c levels are typically interpreted:

A higher HbA1c means higher average blood sugar levels—and greater risk for complications like heart disease, nerve damage, kidney issues, and vision problems.

How Can You Lower HbA1c?

Managing HbA1c isn’t about quick fixes it’s about consistent lifestyle habits:

• Healthy eating: Focus on whole grains, lean proteins, vegetables, and low-sugar foods.

• Regular exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week.

• Medication: If prescribed, take it exactly as directed.

• Monitoring blood sugar: Track it regularly to spot trends and avoid spikes.

• Stress and sleep: Manage both, as they can impact blood sugar levels.

  
  

How Often Should You Get an HbA1c Test?That depends on your health status:

• If you’re diabetic and your blood sugar is stable: every 6 months

• If your treatment is changing or levels are unstable: every 3 months

• If you're not diabetic but at risk: annually or as advised by your doctor

  
  

Conclusion

The HbA1c test is more than just a number, it's a powerful tool that helps you and your healthcare team see the big picture. Whether you’re managing diabetes or trying to prevent it, understanding your HbA1c is key to taking control of your health.

Remember: small, steady changes in your lifestyle can lead to big improvements in your HbA1c and your overall well-being.

At Kenko Life, you can choose a variety of healthy meal options for your daily dose of nutrition. Call at – +91 901906245