HbA1c (Glycosylated Hemoglobin) Test in Visakhapatnam - Price & Details

The HbA1c test is a quantitative blood test that measures your average blood glucose levels over the past 3 months. HbA1c is a bound form of glucose with hemoglobin and remains in the blood until the RBCs complete their lifespan (120 days).

Rapid industrialization in Visakhapatnam has favored sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy diets, and stress, which increase the risk of diabetes in the young population. The HbA1c test helps monitor blood sugar levels, identify risk early, and enable timely lifestyle modifications and medical care.

The following signs and symptoms may indicate high blood sugar levels and call for HbA1c testing:

• Frequent urination
• Frequent thirst
• Persistent fatigue or tiredness
• Blurred vision
• Slow healing of wounds
• Unexplained weight loss or increased hunger
• Tingling or numbness in the hands and feet

The following groups can benefit from HbA1c testing:

• Adults aged 45 and older: Annual health check-ups can help screen for diabetes.
• Family history: If your parents or siblings have a history of diabetes.
• Risk factors: Individuals who are overweight or lead a sedentary lifestyle.
• Pregnant women: Regular blood sugar monitoring is important to prevent complications.
• Pre-existing health conditions: Individuals with high blood pressure, heart disease, or abnormal cholesterol levels.
• Diabetes patients: For regular blood sugar monitoring.

The frequency of the HbA1c test depends on your age, risk factors, and diabetes status, or as advised by your doctor. Refer to the table below to learn more:

• Prediabetes: Helps identify whether you are in the warning zone, where proactive lifestyle changes can often reverse the trend before it progresses.
• Type 1 or type 2 diabetes: Confirm a clinical diagnosis to initiate a suitable management plan tailored to your specific needs.
• Gestational diabetes: Monitoring blood sugar trends during and after pregnancy to ensure health for both mother and child, helping to detect risks that may emerge during this period.
• Risk of complications: Can help assess risk for diabetic nephropathy, retinopathy, neuropathy, and atherosclerosis.

Important note: An elevated HbA1c is a significant clinical finding. Always share your results with a medical professional for a proper diagnosis and to understand what steps are needed to protect your health.

What to Expect Before The Test?

• No fasting is usually required beforehand.
• You can eat and drink normally and take your regular medications before the test.

What to Expect During The Test?

• A trained professional from PharmEasy Labs visits your location to collect the blood sample.
• The professional starts by tying a band around your upper arm, then cleans the puncture site with an antiseptic.
• A needle is inserted into the vein to collect the sample.
• A bandage is applied over the puncture site after the needle is withdrawn.

What to Expect After The Test?

• You can resume your normal activities after the test.
• If you feel dizzy, sit and relax for a few minutes to recover.

Note: If you notice anything unusual at the puncture site, such as persistent bleeding, pain, or a rash, consult your healthcare provider.

The HbA1c test reveals your average blood sugar over the past 3 months through the following parameters:

• HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin) %: This is the primary indicator of your long-term sugar control. It measures the amount of glucose attached to your red blood cells. Since these cells stay in your system for about 3 months, this percentage reflects your average blood sugar over that time.
• Estimated average glucose (eAG): While HbA1c is expressed as a percentage, eAG converts that figure to the familiar mg/dL unit, the same unit commonly seen on a home glucometer. For example, if your HbA1c is 7.0%, your eAG would be approximately 154 mg/dL.

HbA1c values are reported as percentages (%) and mg/dL in the lab reports. The table below provides a brief overview of the test results.

Important note: Normal reference ranges and result interpretation may vary depending on your age, duration of diabetes, and risk of hypoglycaemia. Always consult a healthcare professional to better understand your test results.

The HbA1c values are usually reliable but can be affected by certain factors, mentioned below:

Conditions that cause falsely high HbA1c values:

• Iron deficiency anaemia
• Thalassaemia
• Vitamin B12 deficiency

Conditions that cause falsely low HbA1c values:

• High altitude
• Pregnancy
• Haemorrhage
• Blood transfusion
• Iron supplementation
• Chronic kidney disease
• Liver cirrhosis
• Sickle cell anaemia

The pricing of an HbA1c test can fluctuate due to various factors. In Visakhapatnam, the standard cost of an HbA1c test on PharmEasy is around INR 449, though it may vary slightly depending on offers and location. For additional details, consider comparing HbA1c test prices across major cities in India.

You can book the HbA1c Test in Visakhapatnam through PharmEasy with convenient home sample collection across several localities, including :

• MVP Colony
• Dwaraka Nagar
• Seethammadhara
• Siripuram
• Dabagardens
• Maharanipeta
• Gopalapatnam
• Gajuwaka
• NAD Junction
• Marripalem
• Madhurawada
• PM Palem
• Muralinagar
• Yendada
• Pendurthi
• Simhachalam
• Kurmannapalem
• Pedagantyada
• Kailasapuram
• Allipuram

You can also check service availability during purchase by entering your pincode.