Advanced Diabetes Blood Test

Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), also known as glycated haemoglobin, is a longer-term measure of glucose levels in your blood than a simple blood glucose test. Glucose attaches itself to the haemoglobin in your red blood cells, and as your cells live for around 12-16 weeks, it gives us a good indication of the average level of sugar in your blood over a 3-month period.

A raised HbA1c result points to diabetes or an increased risk of developing diabetes, which can have a significant impact on your lifespan and quality of life. Complications of uncontrolled diabetes include heart disease, kidney disease, eye problems, and vascular conditions. It can also contribute to mental health problems. And men with diabetes are three times more likely to have erectile dysfunction. Keeping your HbA1c within a normal range can help you reduce the risk of these conditions.

Glucose is a sugar that acts as the body’s main source of energy. Most of the body’s cells require glucose for energy production. The brain and nervous system cells can only function when glucose levels in the blood remain within a certain range. The hormone insulin controls the transport of glucose into the body’s cells to be used as energy. We cannot live without glucose or insulin and they must be in balance. It is important that blood glucose levels remains fairly stable as severe high or low levels can be life threatening.