HbA1c (hemoglobin A1C) is the recommended test tool for evaluating type 2 diabetes and 3 month diabetic control.

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What is the A1c test?
The A1c test measures the average blood glucose levels for a period of 3 months, used even now to evaluate a patients 3 month diabetic control. The A1c level of around 5% would mean no signs of Diabetes, between 5.7% to 6.4% indicates prediabetes. These patients should be informed of the increased risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease and counseled about how to manage their risk. "Diet and exercise aimed at a 5% to 10% reduction of weight, with 30 minutes of moderately vigorous physical activity per day reduces your risk of developing diabetes by 60%," says John Buse, MD, PhD, professor of medicine and endocrinology chief at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. A level of 6.5% or higher indicates the presence of diabetes, according to the revised evidence-based guidelines. A1c level of not more than 7% is the maximum accepted level for categorizing optimal diabetic control and one which prevents diabetes-related complications including nephropathy, neuropathy, retinopathy, and gum disease.

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26 April, 2012 | sami | Reply

Hi My HBA1c is 5.7 is that consider pre diabetic and i make it again was 5.3 ??blood test fasting was 82 is that pre diabetic and thin and practise exersise almost everyday am 37 years old

27 April, 2012 | Vijayalakshmi Iyengar | Reply

Hello Mr Sami
It was heartening to note that both your levels of Hb1Ac of 5.7 and your fasting blood sugar of 82 are both absolutely in the normal range.
I am trying to understand why you are worried, as your levels are normal, you say you are lean in build and you exercise every day.
You need to worry mainly if you have a family history of diabetes, are overweight or obese, highly stressed, diet is made up of low fiber, high fat or refined foods, and have a bad life style which could include any or all –smoking, drinking alcohol regularly and limited physical activity. Keep up your good diet and life style and do share your concerns with us lest we are missing something.
Thank you for trusting NutritionVista.com for your health solutions.
Sincerely
Vijayalakshmi Iyengar
Senior dietitian
NutritionVista.com

27 April, 2012 | Wolf White | Reply

Thank you so much i feel much better !!i was worry cuz everyday in Japan i hear someone get Diabetics!!and am so worry to get it !!so i went hospital and made some check up! z doctor said am OK!! but am too much worry if geeting ill !!maybe this is also not so good Thank you so much i trust your company v much and your home page 1 of best health web site ever made ..1 qustion plz what is best food to eat to avoid diabetic and make my blood sugar in normal range thanks alot for yur fast reply i realy appriciate it..
Sami

27 April, 2012 | Vijayalakshmi Iyengar | Reply

Hello Mr Sami
There is no specific foods that help prevent diabetes but of the various foods you eat, the emphasis should be on high fiber and low fat esp Saturated fats. Also include foods rich in potassium , calcium, Vitamin B12, Vitamin C and Vitamin D referred to as `Nutrients of concern', as most of us get very little of it.
Focus on
1. Veggies, lean meat and or pulse protein, fruit (not fruit juice), nuts and low-fat dairy.
2. limited amount of carbs and it should be unrefined with a lot of fiber. Examples -Whole wheat flour products-breads, pasta, unleavened breads like Pita bread, rotis etc, brown or unpolished rice, Quinoa or any millet
3. Avoid Trans fats and severely restrict saturated fats and refined or processed foods.
4. Eat minimal salt. It should not to go over 2300 mgs /day but if you’re 51 or older, African-American, or have hypertension, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease, that limit is 1,500 mg.

* It is also important not to skip meals but eat regular and moderate size meals.
* Maintain a healthy body weight
* Exercise regularly and follow a good life style.
If you want any additional and continued help you can register with www.Nutitritionvista.com and have regular consultations for healthy living.

30 August, 2011 | Vijayalakshmi Iyengar | Reply

A study published in Postgrad Med J on 18/10/1010 has raised a question as to whether HbA1c should replace fasting plasma glucose or the OGTT or both be conducted?
The need to simplify screening tests for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and patients need be identified earlier and more efficiently, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) has been recommended by some international organisations as a diagnostic tool for detecting T2DM and impaired glucose regulation. Since the two tests detect different people, some individuals with diabetes detected on OGTT will no longer be classified as having T2DM using HbA1c =6.5% criteria. Another factor is that certain medical conditions such as haematological disorders, renal failure, and chronic excess alcohol consumption lead to HbA1c assay measurements not reflecting glycaemic control over the last 2–3 months.
http://pmj.bmj.com/content/early/2010/10/17/pgmj.2009.091215.abstract

15 June, 2010 | Sangeetha Narayana Swamy | Reply

Dear Hemali,

You have not mentioned about family history of diabetes, your BMI and physical activity level in your question. Generally it is suggested to get a complete health check done, once a year after the age of 40. This will give you a clear picture of your body status. If your reports are normal again, you can relax for the next one year.

Thank you for your query.

Regards,
Sangeetha Narayana Swamy,
Senior Dietitian,
NutritionVista.com

01 June, 2010 | Geetanjali Kelkar | Reply

Ways to prevent incidence of diabetes
1. Watch your weight- try to be in the normal prescribed range.
2. Exercise regularly
3. Eat right- a balanced with a perfect blend of complex carbs, proteins, essential fats, vitamins and minerals.
4. Eat more fiber-fruits and vegetables
5. Go in for a regular health check up.
6. Learn to manage stress

These simple tips can definitely keep an individual away from diabetes

Geetanjali Kelkar, PhD
Dietitian online
NutriitonVista

31 May, 2010 | Shweta | Reply

Hi,
I am 24 years old working professional.I have family history of diabetes from my father's side i.e. my father, his parents and elder brother, all are known diabetics.But there is no known diabetic on my mother's side.Am I too at risk?If yes, what precautions can I start taking so that I dont suffer from it?

01 October, 2010 | Poonam | Reply

Hi Shweta,
Since your father is diabetic,you are at risk of developing diabetes. In order to prevent getting diabetes, you must watch your weight and always stay within the normal BMI range, exercise for at least 45 minutes everyday and watch what you eat. Most important, you must start screening for diabetes at age 30.

28 May, 2010 | Sangeetha Narayana Swamy | Reply

Dear Linda,

We would advise you to get a Diabetes Screening Test done at the earliest because you have mentioned three risk factors in your question like being overweight, family history and your age.

Family history plays a significant role in type 2 diabetes. Overweight individuals, especially with fat around the middle are more likely to have Insulin resistance, as fat interferes with body's ability to use insulin.

Also low physical activity levels and poor diet increase the chances of type 2 diabetes.

NutritionVista has Risk Reduction and Lifestyle Improvement Program which will help you to maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise. The program will also aim at preventing the risk factors for diabetes. Please go through our packages and feel free to contact us for more information.

Regards,
Sangeetha Narayana Swamy,
Senior Dietitian,
NutritionVista.com

24 November, 2010 | Linda | Reply

Will Hb1Ac be affected if a person is anemic?

26 November, 2010 | Poonam | Reply

Hello Linda,
Yes, HbA1C is affected by low haemoglobin levels. This has to be corrected before HbA1C is used for assessing glucose control.

28 May, 2010 | Linda | Reply

Hi,
I am 46 years old,overweight and have family history of diabetes.Should I go for diabetes screening check up?

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Tags: Chronic Lifestyle Diseases, Diabetes, Diabetes Management, Diabetes Prevention, Gestational Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome, Pre-Diabetes, Type 1 Diabetes - Juvenile Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes - Insulin Dependent Diabetes

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