HbA1c Test: A Complete Guide to Understanding Your Blood Sugar Health
Managing blood sugar is one of the most important aspects of overall health, especially with the rising prevalence of type 2 diabetes across the globe. One of the most effective tools doctors use to understand long-term blood glucose control is the HbA1c test . Unlike a random or fasting blood sugar test that only provides a snapshot of your sugar levels at a single point in time, the HbA1c test offers a bigger picture—it shows your average blood glucose levels over the past 2–3 months . This blog will explore everything you need to know about the HbA1c test—what it is, why it’s important, how it works, how results are interpreted, factors that can affect it, and how it helps in both diagnosing and managing diabetes . We’ll also cover lifestyle factors, risks, complications of poor glucose control, and practical tips for patients. What Is HbA1c? The term HbA1c refers to glycated haemoglobin . Haemoglobin (Hb): A protein in red blo...