Hemoglobin A1C

Why is HbA1c important for your Healthspan?

‍HbA1c levels offer a long-term perspective on blood sugar management, which is central for metabolic health. Consistently elevated average blood sugar, indicated by a high HbA1c, can lead to widespread damage to blood vessels, nerves, and organs over time, increasing the risk for type 2 diabetes complications such as kidney disease, nerve damage, and vision problems, as well as heart disease and stroke. Maintaining HbA1c within an optimal range helps protect against these chronic conditions and supports sustained vitality and longevity.

‍What is HbA1c?

HbA1c, or Glycated Hemoglobin, measures the percentage of hemoglobin in your red blood cells that has glucose attached to it. Hemoglobin is a protein found inside red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen. When glucose (sugar) is present in the bloodstream, it can naturally bind to hemoglobin, a process called glycation. The more glucose that is in your blood on average, the more glucose attaches to hemoglobin. Since red blood cells typically live for about 2 to 3 months, the HbA1c test provides an average picture of your blood sugar control over that entire period, rather than just a single moment in time. This makes it a valuable tool for diagnosing prediabetes and diabetes, and for monitoring long-term glucose management.

‍How do we take action?

If HbA1c levels are outside the optimal range, one should focus on lifestyle modifications to improve long-term blood sugar regulation. This includes adopting a balanced diet with an emphasis on whole, unprocessed foods, careful management of carbohydrate intake, and avoiding excessive consumption of refined sugars. Regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy body weight, and prioritizing sufficient sleep and stress management are also important components. For some individuals, medication may be necessary to achieve target HbA1c levels, in conjunction with lifestyle changes. Regular monitoring of HbA1c helps track progress and adjust strategies to support metabolic health and overall Healthspan.

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‍Additional Sources

1. Unnikrishnan, R., Anjana, R. M., & Mohan, V. (2012). Drugs affecting HbA1c levels. Indian journal of endocrinology and metabolism, 16(4), 528–531. https://doi.org/10.4103/2230-8210.98004

2. Sherwani, S. I., Khan, H. A., Ekhzaimy, A., Masood, A., & Sakharkar, M. K. (2016). Significance of HbA1c Test in Diagnosis and Prognosis of Diabetic Patients. Biomarker insights, 11, 95–104. https://doi.org/10.4137/BMI.S38440

3. American Diabetes Association. (2002). Screening for Diabetes. Diabetes Care, 25(suppl_1), s21–s24. https://doi.org/10.2337/diacare.25.2007.S21

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