Hemoglobin A1C indicates the glycated hemoglobin (long-term glucose levels) in the blood. Hemoglobin A1C, or glycated hemoglobin, shows your average blood glucose levels over the previous 2–8 weeks.
Hemoglobin A1C indicates the glycated hemoglobin (long-term glucose levels) in the blood. Elevated blood glucose levels over one day cannot affect your long-term blood glucose levels because your HbA1c value reflects your blood glucose levels over the past 2–8 weeks. You can affect your blood glucose levels with general healthy dietary habits, such as regular meals and healthy food choices.
Hemoglobin A1C is essentially glucose that is slowly attached to the hemoglobin molecules of red blood cells. The rate at which glucose attaches depends on the overall amount of glucose in the blood: the higher the blood glucose, the more glucose attaches to the hemoglobin molecules.
You can order the long-term sugar B-HbA1c as a single test from Vital’s online store. Add the desired products to the shopping cart and complete all the tests at once.
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Goals of diabetes treatment are set individually. If your doctor has set personal recommended values for you, always follow those.
HbA1c Between 42 and 47 mmol/mol (6.0% – 6.4%):
HbA1c Above 48 mmol/mol (6.5%):
HbA1c Below 42 mmol/mol (6.0%):
Increased values of HbA1c are usually due to diabetes. If HbA1c values exceed 48 mmol/mol on two separate occasions, it may provide grounds for a doctor to diagnose diabetes (for individuals over 18 years who are not pregnant). If the values are below 48 mmol/mol, diabetes cannot be ruled out, and if the value is just below 48 mmol/mol, it may indicate an increased risk of developing diabetes.
Abnormal results in hemoglobin A1C are usually due to diabetes. However, the following reasons may also contribute to an exceptionally high or low results:
After eating, blood sugar should stay below 8 mmol/l when measured two hours after the meal. This limit can vary based on individual health recommendations, so it is important to discuss your own target values with a doctor.
Metformin works by lowering blood sugar levels and improving the body’s ability to use insulin more effectively. It is commonly used medication for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Metformin reduces the liver’s glucose production and increases muscle glucose uptake, which helps lower blood sugar. Additionally, it can have a beneficial effect on cardiovascular health and aid in weight management.
Diabetes prevention includes a healthy diet, regular exercise, maintaining a normal weight, and avoiding smoking. These measures can particularly reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
High blood sugar can manifest as constant thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision, and slowly healing wounds. If these symptoms occur, it is important to check blood sugar levels and consult a doctor.
Blood sugar can be lowered by following a healthy diet, increasing physical activity, and managing weight. Adjusting medication and regular monitoring of blood sugar are also important.
Blood sugar is typically measured in the morning after fasting, before meals, two hours after meals, and before bedtime. The frequency of measurement can vary depending on the individual’s health condition and treatment needs.
A glucose tolerance test is performed by having the person drink a glucose solution, after which blood sugar changes are measured several times over the following hours. The test helps to assess how well the body handles glucose.
Blood sugar is too low when it drops below 4 mmol/l. Low blood sugar can cause symptoms such as weakness, trembling, sweating, hunger, confusion, and even loss of consciousness. In such situations, it is important to consume quickly absorbing carbohydrates, such as juice or glucose tablets, and seek medical attention if necessary.
The rate at which blood sugar drops depends on several factors, such as previous meals, physical activity, and any medication. Typically, blood sugar begins to drop within a few hours after interventions.
Symptoms of diabetes include constant thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow-healing wounds. Symptoms can develop gradually, especially in type 2 diabetes.
Cortisone can raise blood sugar, and the extent of the effect depends on the dosage and individual factors. It is important for diabetics to closely monitor their blood sugar levels during cortisone treatment.
Diabetes medication is usually started when lifestyle changes are not sufficient to control blood sugar levels. The type and dosage of medication depend on the type of diabetes and the individual needs of the patient.
Overcoming sugar addiction requires reducing sweet and processed foods and replacing them with healthier options, such as fruits. Also, a regular meal rhythm and adequate protein intake can help reduce sugar cravings.
Blood sugar is too high when it exceeds personal target values set by a doctor based on individual health needs. Generally, fasting blood sugar should be below 7 mmol/L and post-meal blood sugar below 10 mmol/L.
Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps regulate blood sugar levels. When you eat, your body converts food into glucose, which is the primary source of energy. Insulin helps glucose move from the bloodstream into the cells, where it is used for energy. If the body is insulin resistant, the cells do not respond normally to insulin, which can lead to increased blood sugar levels and, over the long term, increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes often develops due to overweight, lack of exercise, and unhealthy eating habits. Genetic factors also influence the risk.
Insulin resistance can manifest in many different ways. Typical symptoms include fatigue, especially after meals, increased waist circumference, high blood pressure, and uneven blood sugar levels. Prolonged insulin resistance can also lead to the appearance of dark, velvety patches on the skin, especially around the neck and armpits. These symptoms may indicate that the body is not using insulin effectively.
Diabetes treatment includes monitoring blood sugar, managing diet, exercising, and medication if necessary. Type 1 diabetics need insulin, while type 2 diabetics can often manage their disease with lifestyle changes and oral medications.
Blood sugar can be quickly lowered by short-term intense exercise or by taking doctor-prescribed fast-acting insulin. It is important to discuss with a doctor before trying new treatment methods.
To correct insulin resistance, it is important to focus on healthy lifestyles. The diet should include plenty of fibers and low-fat protein sources and limit the intake of simple carbohydrates and saturated fats. Regular exercise, such as aerobic training and strength training, helps improve insulin sensitivity. Additionally, adequate sleep and stress management are crucial. Sometimes, medication prescribed by a doctor may be necessary to manage insulin resistance.
Diabetes can develop when the body is unable to produce enough insulin or when the body’s cells do not effectively respond to insulin. Type 1 diabetes is usually caused by an autoimmune reaction, while type 2 diabetes is often related to lifestyle and genetic factors.
To lower fasting blood sugar, it is important to follow a balanced diet, avoid large amounts of rapidly absorbing carbohydrates, and increase physical activity. Regular mealtimes and weight management can also help control blood sugar levels.
Diabetes is diagnosed with blood tests that measure blood sugar and HbA1c levels. The diagnosis is confirmed if fasting blood sugar is consistently high or if the HbA1c level exceeds a certain threshold.
One should see a doctor if blood sugar remains consistently high, clearly exceeds personal target values, or if symptoms of high blood sugar such as thirst, frequent urination, or fatigue, occur.
Vital laboratory package Total Plus includes 37 values and is an even more comprehensive health check for those who seek a deeper insight into their body’s well-being and greater opportunities to make better choices to improve their health.
Glucose is an indicator of the blood sugar level. Blood sugar affects general well-being and energy levels, muscle and brain function and the feeling of hunger.
The hemoglobin A1C test B-HbA1c shows your average blood glucose levels over the previous 2–8 weeks. Blood glucose affects general well-being and energy levels, muscle and brain function and the feeling of hunger.
Glucose is one of the most common sugars. Blood glucose is also referred to as blood sugar. The blood sugar level can be analysed after fasting or without fasting. The blood sugar level is excessively high, for example, in the case of diabetes.
High ASAT may indicate tissue damage in important organs.
The LDL cholesterol level shows the amount of harmful cholesterol in the blood.
Elevated triglyceride levels rarely need to be lowered with medication, as changing lifestyle habits is the primary treatment.
Those who are physically active should especially pay attention to the adequate intake of magnesium. Magnesium supports the well-being of muscles and bones.
Vitamin D is stored in the body during summer, but its concentration decreases during the dark winter months.
Article updated:
23 October 2024