About the test

Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), is a form of hemoglobin (a blood pigment that carries oxygen) that is bound to glucose. Levels of your HbA1c can be affected by changes in your lifestyle, diet, medications (like steroids), stress, or illness. Blood HbA1c levels are reflective of how well your body turns food into energy, or how diabetes is controlled.

Diabetes is a metabolic disease characterized by elevated levels of blood sugar. High HbA1c levels indicate poorer control of diabetes than levels in the normal range. High blood sugar, known as Hyperglycemia, means there is too much sugar in the blood because the body lacks enough insulin. Associated with diabetes, hyperglycemia can cause vomiting, excessive hunger and thirst, rapid heartbeat, vision problems and other symptoms.

Lower HbA1c levels may occur when the body’s blood sugar (glucose) decreases and is too low, known as Hypoglycemia. Symptoms of Hypoglycemia can include excess sweating, hunger, lightheadedness, vomiting, anxiety, blurred vision, and shakiness.

Both low and high level of HbA1c levels can benefit from a modified diet. Please consult your doctor for additional information.