How Heart failure is different from Heart attack?

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Heart failure and heart attack are two distinct medical conditions that affect the heart, but they differ in their causes, symptoms, and mechanisms. Here’s a comparison:

Heart failure vs heart attack

  1. Causes:

    • Heart Failure: Heart failure occurs when the heart’s pumping function becomes impaired, leading to the heart’s inability to effectively circulate blood and meet the body’s demands. It can be caused by various factors, including coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, heart valve disease, cardiomyopathy (disease of the heart muscle), congenital heart defects, and other conditions that affect the heart.
    • Heart Attack: A heart attack, also known as myocardial infarction, happens when a coronary artery supplying blood to the heart muscle becomes blocked, usually by a blood clot. The blockage cuts off the blood supply to a portion of the heart muscle, resulting in tissue damage or death. The most common cause of a heart attack is the rupture or formation of a blood clot on a pre-existing atherosclerotic plaque in the coronary arteries.

  2. Mechanism:

    • Heart Failure: Heart failure refers to the heart’s inability to pump blood adequately, leading to a decrease in cardiac output. This reduced pumping efficiency can affect either the left side or the right side of the heart, or both. Heart failure often involves a combination of factors, such as weakened heart muscle, increased workload on the heart, or impaired relaxation and filling of the heart chambers.
    • Heart Attack: A heart attack occurs due to the sudden interruption of blood flow to a part of the heart muscle. The blockage in a coronary artery deprives the heart muscle of oxygen and nutrients, leading to ischemia (lack of blood supply) and subsequent tissue damage. Prompt restoration of blood flow is crucial to prevent further injury to the heart muscle.

  3. Symptoms:

    • Heart Failure: The symptoms of heart failure can vary but often include shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling in the legs, ankles, or abdomen, rapid or irregular heartbeat, persistent cough or wheezing, reduced ability to exercise, and a feeling of congestion or fluid retention.
    • Heart Attack: The symptoms of a heart attack commonly include chest pain or discomfort (which may radiate to the arm, neck, jaw, back, or stomach), shortness of breath, cold sweats, nausea, lightheadedness, and anxiety. However, it’s important to note that heart attacks can present differently in different individuals, and some may experience atypical symptoms or no symptoms at all.

  4. Treatment:

    • Heart Failure: The management of heart failure involves a combination of lifestyle changes, medications (e.g., diuretics, ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers), and, in some cases, interventions like cardiac resynchronization therapy, implantable devices (e.g., pacemakers, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators), or heart transplantation.
    • Heart Attack: The immediate treatment for a heart attack involves restoring blood flow to the blocked coronary artery, typically through procedures such as angioplasty with stenting or thrombolytic therapy to dissolve the clot. Medications, such as antiplatelet drugs, anticoagulants, beta-blockers, and ACE inhibitors, are commonly prescribed to prevent further complications and manage the underlying causes.

In summary, heart failure refers to the heart’s inability to pump blood adequately, while a heart attack is caused by a blockage in a coronary artery. Although they can share similar symptoms, they have different causes, mechanisms, and treatment approaches. It’s important to consult with cardiologist & Diabetologist for accurate diagnosis, appropriate management, and individualized care.

How Heart failure is different from heart attack

Here are some more details about heart failure and heart attack:

Heart Failure:

  • Types: Heart failure can be categorized into two main types: systolic heart failure and diastolic heart failure. Systolic heart failure occurs when the heart’s ability to contract and pump blood is weakened, whereas diastolic heart failure refers to the heart’s inability to relax and fill with blood properly.
  • Stages: Heart failure is often classified into four stages based on the severity of symptoms and functional limitations. This classification system, called the New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional classification, ranges from Stage I (mild symptoms with no limitation of physical activity) to Stage IV (severe symptoms even at rest).
  • Fluid Retention: One of the hallmark features of heart failure is fluid retention, leading to swelling in various parts of the body. This fluid buildup occurs because the heart’s pumping action is weakened, and blood can back up into the veins, causing congestion in organs such as the lungs, liver, and extremities.
  • Complications: Heart failure can lead to various complications, including pulmonary edema (fluid accumulation in the lungs), arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms), kidney problems, liver dysfunction, and increased risk of blood clots.

Heart Attack:

  • Types: Heart attacks can be classified based on the location and extent of the affected area. The most common type is a ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), which occurs when a complete blockage forms in a coronary artery. Non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarctions (NSTEMIs) are less severe, as the blockage is usually partial or temporary.
  • Ischemic Cascade: During a heart attack, the blockage in the coronary artery leads to a cascade of events known as the ischemic cascade. Initially, there is insufficient oxygen supply to the heart muscle, leading to ischemia. This causes the heart muscle cells to undergo injury and, if left untreated, can progress to irreversible damage (necrosis).
  • Diagnosis: The diagnosis of a heart attack often involves a combination of clinical evaluation, electrocardiogram (ECG) to assess heart activity, blood tests (such as cardiac enzyme tests) to detect heart muscle damage, and imaging techniques like angiography or echocardiography to visualize the coronary arteries and assess heart function.
  • Complications: Heart attacks can lead to several complications, including heart rhythm disturbances (arrhythmias), heart failure, cardiac arrest, cardiogenic shock (a state of inadequate blood supply to organs), and damage to other organs like the kidneys or brain.

It’s important to remember that while heart failure and heart attacks are distinct conditions, they can coexist or occur as a consequence of one another. For instance, a heart attack can lead to heart muscle damage and subsequently result in heart failure. Prompt medical attention and appropriate management are crucial for both conditions to improve outcomes and quality of life.

FAQ:

does heart failure cause heart attack ?

Heart failure itself does not directly cause a heart attack. However, the conditions that can lead to heart failure, such as coronary artery disease (CAD), can also increase the risk of a heart attack.

Coronary artery disease is a common cause of both heart failure and heart attacks. In CAD, the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle can become narrowed or blocked by the buildup of fatty plaques. This narrowing restricts blood flow to the heart, which can lead to symptoms of angina (chest pain) and an increased risk of heart attack.

If a coronary artery becomes completely blocked by a blood clot due to the rupture of a plaque, it can cause a heart attack. The blockage prevents oxygen-rich blood from reaching a portion of the heart muscle, leading to tissue damage or death in that area.

While heart failure and heart attacks can coexist, it’s important to note that heart failure is primarily a chronic condition resulting from the heart’s reduced ability to pump blood effectively, while a heart attack is an acute event caused by a sudden blockage of blood flow to the heart muscle. The presence of heart failure may increase the risk and severity of a heart attack, but it doesn’t directly cause a heart attack.

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Fighting the Dual Battle: PCOS and Diabetes

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The Link Between PCOS and Diabetes

Introduction – A Link Between PCOS and Diabetes

A disease that makes you feel tired all day, gets you ugly, hairy, overweight and doesn’t even let you have a peaceful pregnancy, has now been linked to the much-dreaded diabetes. Yes, you’ve guessed it right! Today, we are discussing the underrated link between PCOS and diabetes. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a fairly common hormonal disorder affecting women of reproductive age in this era; diabetes, on the other hand, is a chronic metabolic condition that often coexists with PCOS and poses significant health challenges. Understanding the link between PCOS and diabetes is crucial for early detection, better treatment outcomes, and improved overall health. In this article, we will explore the intricate relationship between PCOS and diabetes, shed light on their shared risk factors, delve into the underlying mechanisms, and discuss strategies to fight this dual battle.

PCOS And Diabetes

How Does PCOS Cause Diabetes?

PCOS is generally known to result in Type 2 diabetes—-adult diabetes—where the body’s cells become resistant to insulin, resulting in high blood sugar levels. Persistent PCOS can also lead to gestational diabetes—an increase in blood sugar levels during pregnancy. The connection between the two is multifactorial and bi-directional. Let us understand why.

Here is a quick overview of the link between PCOS and diabetes:

Multiple ovarian cysts in PCOS interfere with the ovary’s ability to produce sex hormones. This may result in an excess of male hormones.

Testosterone is one such male hormone that causes the pancreas to overproduce insulin. High levels of insulin in the blood lead to the following:

● Insulin Resistance

Insulin resistance is a crucial feature of both PCOS and type 2 diabetes. Excess insulin in the blood causes body cells to become less responsive to it, resulting in high blood sugar levels. The pancreas responds by producing more insulin to make up for the resistance. Over time, the pancreas may struggle to maintain normal insulin levels, resulting in elevated blood sugar levels and, potentially, diabetes.

● Hyperinsulinemia

Hyperinsulinemia occurs as the body tries to overcome insulin resistance by producing more of it. However, elevated insulin levels can further exacerbate insulin resistance, creating a vicious cycle.

High insulin levels also cause the ovaries to produce more testosterone and less sex hormone- binding globulin (a protein that binds sex hormones), allowing for even higher levels of circulating male hormones.

● Obesity

Obesity is a shared risk factor for both PCOS and type 2 diabetes. The risk of insulin resistance and slow metabolism is increased by excess body weight, especially abdominal fat. Obesity can worsen insulin resistance and speed up the onset of diabetes in people with PCOS.

PCOS and Diabetes Symptoms

Have you had a PCOS history and are scared of developing diabetes? Well, look out for these signs and symptoms that suggest a link between PCOS and diabetes. Despite being distinct, PCOS and diabetes signs overlap in several indications and symptoms.

The following are some typical indicators and symptoms that might appear in both PCOS and Diabetes:

● Irregular periods

Your periods are irregular, with a cycle lasting over 35 days. The period cramps are painful, and the bleeding is erratic.

● Unexplained weight gain

Both PCOS and diabetes share the common symptoms of weight gain and struggle to reduce weight. It might be difficult to maintain a healthy weight due to insulin resistance, which is a major factor contributing to weight gain.

● Hirsutism

Hair growth, often known as hirsutism, is the growth of coarse, black hair. You might observe hair growth on their chest, chin, or face.

● Hair fail

Hair loss or thinning is common. Your receding hairline may resemble male-pattern baldness.

● Skin changes

Having acne on your back, chin, chest, or other parts of your face. In addition, skin discoloration may happen, particularly in crevices like the groin and armpits.

● Increased hunger and food cravings

Insulin resistance in PCOS can lead to higher insulin levels, which can stimulate appetite. In diabetes, the inability of cells to effectively use insulin can result in increased hunger as the body tries to compensate for the lack of energy.

● Fatigue

High insulin levels in PCOS can affect energy metabolism, while high blood sugar levels in diabetes can lead to fatigue due to inefficient use of glucose by cells.

● Increased thirst and frequent urination

When blood sugar levels are high, the kidneys work harder to filter and eliminate excess glucose, resulting in increased urine production and thirst.

If most of the symptoms on the checklist apply to you, it’s time to visit your gynecologist and diabetologist.

PCOS and Diabetes Treatment

PCOS is frustrating. Unfortunately, there is no cure for PCOS. Once acquired, it will take time to wean off, and lifestyle modification is the only key.

Here are a few things that you can do to disrupt the vicious link between PCOS and diabetes:

● Lifestyle Modifications

Adopting healthy lifestyle habits is a cornerstone of managing both PCOS and diabetes. This includes:

Healthy Diet

Cutting down on processed sugars and refined carbohydrates can help regulate blood sugar levels and promote weight management. Make whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats your main focus.

Regular Physical Activity

Regular physical activity, such as brisk walking, strength training, or aerobic exercises, can enhance insulin sensitivity, encourage weight loss, and help regulate blood sugar levels. Aim for 150 minutes or more per week of moderate-intensity training.

Weight Management

For both PCOS and diabetes management, maintaining a healthy weight is essential. It will help improve insulin sensitivity, hormonal balance, and overall health outcomes.

Stress Management

Insulin resistance and hormonal imbalances can worsen under long-term stress. Implement stress-reduction strategies like mindfulness, meditation, yoga, or engaging in relaxing activities.

Say No to Smoking and Alcohol

The risk of complications related to PCOS and diabetes can be decreased by giving up smoking and consuming alcohol in moderation.

● Medications

Birth control pills and other hormonal contraceptives can help manage hormonal imbalances, control menstrual cycles, and lower the risk of endometrial cancer. Anti-androgen drugs (anti- male hormone pills) can also aid in reducing acne and excessive hair growth. Sometimes, women with PCOS may be given diabetes medications like metformin to improve insulin sensitivity and control their menstrual cycles.

● Regular Monitoring

Blood Sugar Levels

Monitoring helps ensure that blood sugar levels are within target ranges and allows for adjustments in medication, diet, or physical activity as necessary.

Hormone Levels

To evaluate the efficacy of treatment and track any hormonal imbalances, women with PCOS may need to have their hormone levels checked regularly.

Regular Medical Check-ups

Routine check-ups with the doctor are essential for managing both PCOS and diabetes.

Takeaway

The link between PCOS and diabetes is deep and complex. While PCOS increases the risk of developing diabetes, not all women with PCOS will develop the condition. Diet, exercise, and weight management are all lifestyle factors that significantly reduce the risk. Adopting a healthy lifestyle and consulting frequently with your gynecologist and diabetologist can help you manage PCOS, enhance insulin sensitivity, and lower your risk of getting diabetes.

FAQs

● Which comes first PCOS or diabetes?

PCOS typically precedes diabetes. Insulin resistance, a crucial component of both diseases, is frequently seen in PCOS and can eventually result in the onset of type 2 diabetes.

● How do you know if you have diabetes from PCOS?

If you have been diagnosed with PCOS and have not been actively working towards controlling it, then you may develop other symptoms such as extreme hunger, sweet cravings, frequent urination, and fatigue, suggesting that you may be developing diabetes.

● Is PCOS related to sugar?

Sugar does not cause diabetes directly, but can be a risk factor for developing diabetes in PCOS.

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The Sweetheart Connection: Does Diabetes Cause Heart Disease?

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The Sweetheart Connection: Does Diabetes Cause Heart Disease?

 

Table of contents

 

  • Introduction
  • Does Diabetes Cause Heart Disease?
  • Diabetic heart attack symptoms
  • Diabetic heart failure symptoms
  • The best diet for diabetes patients and heart health
  • Conclusion
  • FAQs
  • Can diabetes lead to heart attack?
  • Can diabetes cause a weak heart?
  • Why do heart patients get diabetes?

 

 

Introduction

 

Diabetes may not dampen your spirits, but diabetes-related heart disease might! High blood sugar levels come with side effects that ruin every part of the human body. But if the epicenter of life, the heart, is at risk, then you definitely need to be worried. Does Diabetes Cause Heart Disease? Science says that people with diabetes have a twofold increased risk of heart disease and stroke (blocked blood flow or bleeding in the brain) than non-diabetics. This association becomes stronger with age. However, the best diet for diabetes and heart health accompanied by an active, stress-free lifestyle, can halt this deadly process.

how does heart disease cause diabetes

Does Diabetes Cause Heart Disease?

 

High blood sugar levels, otherwise called hyperglycemia, itself is the cause of heart disease in diabetics. Persistently high sugar levels in the blood boost metabolism in the body’s cells. The amount of metabolism is higher than usual, leading to the accumulation of metabolic products and the formation of free radicals. Free radicals damage the walls of blood vessels like arteries and capillaries; eventually, they also affect delicate nerve tissues. The oxygen and nutrient supply to the muscles of the heart gradually diminish, leading to heart stiffness and dilatation (swelling) of the blood-pumping chambers in the heart. These critical tissue changes result in heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure.

 

Diabetes increases the likelihood of various other conditions that increase the risk of heart disease in a person. Common heart diseases in diabetics are coronary artery disease (CAD), heart failure, peripheral artery disease (PAD), cardiomyopathy, atrial fibrillation, and stroke.

 

Let us understand some of these risk factors that also contribute to the diabetes-heart link:

 

●     Elevated blood pressure

 

High blood pressure forces too much blood to flow through the arteries. A weak artery, such as those found in diabetics, can worsen heart damage and cause problems.

 

●     An abnormally high cholesterol

 

Plaques made of cholesterol accumulate on the walls of arteries. Deposits further narrow an arterial wall that is already vulnerable in diabetics. This causes a significant reduction in blood flow, particularly to the brain and the heart, which can lead to complications like heart attacks and strokes.

●     Obesity

 

Obesity increases the risk of high cholesterol and blood pressure, as well as fat deposits in the artery walls. These are all warning signs of impending heart disease.

 

●     Sedentary lifestyle

 

A sedentary lifestyle increases the chance of obesity and hypertension (high blood pressure).

 

●     Regularly consuming meals heavy in sodium (salt), trans fat, cholesterol, and saturated fat

 

A diet full of fast food and junk is high in sugar, salt, and fat. These could be key players in weight gain and high blood sugar levels.

●     Too much alcohol and smoking

 

Alcoholics and smokers are predisposed to hypertension and high cholesterol levels. Diabetics should avoid these detrimental habits.

 

●     Familial heart disease history

A few diabetics could be genetically prone to heart diseases and congenital heart problems.

 

Diabetic Heart Attack Symptoms

 

Patients with diabetes are more likely to experience heart disease, which can cause a heart attack. Diabetics may experience different heart attack symptoms than non-diabetics. But why?

 

In diabetics, high blood sugar levels frequently result in severe nerve damage. This explains why neuropathies are prevalent in them. Due to similar reasons, all the symptoms of a heart attack seem less severe in diabetics. The associated chest pain is mild, with tightness of breath and sweating. There is a sudden rise in blood sugar that is also noticed.

 

how does diabetes cause heart disease

Diabetic heart failure symptoms

 

Heart failure doesn’t mean that your heart has stopped pumping blood. It means that the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently.

 

Heart diseases in diabetics frequently culminate in heart failure. This may cause your legs to swell and cause fluid to accumulate in your lungs, making it difficult to breathe. Other signs could be dizziness, fatigue, and fainting. On examination, irregular heartbeats and heart rhythm are seen (arrhythmia).

 

 

The best diet for Patients with diabetes and heart health

 

It isn’t difficult to manage diabetes, let alone diabetic-related heart disease. If you are in your forties, then it’s time you step up and take good care of yourself. The best diet for those with diabetes and heart disease is one that focuses on whole, unprocessed foods while limiting or avoiding foods that are heavily processed, and high in sugar and fat.

 

Follow our ABCDE rule of 5 to say bye-bye to “Does diabetes cause heart disease?”

 

A – Monitor your HbA1c levels 3-4 times a year. Apart from that, at-home glucose testing is vital for diabetics who are on insulin therapy.

 

B – Maintain your Blood pressure levels.

 

C – Keep a check on your Cholesterol levels.

 

D – Do away with sitting and bingeing. Get up, be active, exercise, move around, and lose those extra pounds!

 

E – Exit from overindulgence. Avoid drinking alcohol too often and quit smoking.

 

The best diet for diabetes and heart health would include the following:

 

  • While being high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, fruits and vegetables are low in calories.

 

  • Fiber and nutrients are abundant in whole grains. Examples include brown rice, quinoa, whole-grain bread, and pasta.

 

  • Lean proteins that have minimal saturated fat are good protein options, including fish, chicken, and plant-based foods like beans, lentils, and nuts.

 

  • Healthy fats like olive oil, avocados, almonds, and seeds

 

  • Reduce your intake of processed foods like ready-to-eat mixes, canned foods, and different sauces and spreads. These foods have high levels of salt, sugar, and harmful fats.

 

Conclusion

Does diabetes cause heart disease? Now that you know that, as a middle-aged diabetic, the chances of you developing heart disease are high, why not be proactive to stop it? You can take steps to mitigate this risk. Apart from the best diet for diabetes and heart health, you should consult your diabetologist periodically to find out any early signs and symptoms of heart disease.

 

 

 

FAQs

  • Can diabetes lead to heart attack?

 

Yes, diabetes can cause heart diseases that lead to a heart attack. High blood sugar makes the blood vessels fragile and inefficient. Consistently poor blood supply to the heart stiffens the heart muscles and forms blood clots that cause a heart attack.

 

  • Can diabetes cause a weak heart?

 

Yes, diabetes can result in diabetic cardiomyopathy, a condition that causes a weak heart. It can present with symptoms of early exhaustion. Fatigue, gasping for breath, dizziness, and fainting

 

  • Why do heart patients get diabetes?

 

Diabetes can develop in heart patients due to risk factors that are shared by both, such as obesity, high blood pressure, and insulin resistance. Several drugs used to treat heart problems can also make you more susceptible to developing diabetes.

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Decoding HbA1c: A Key Indicator for Diabetes

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Decoding HbA1c : A Key Indicator for Diabetes

Are you still fasting in the morning before sample collection, hoping for an accurate blood sugar report?

Then its time to understand the significance of HbA1c. As a diabetic or pre-diabetic, closely monitoring
your blood sugar levels is mandatory. When you consult your diabetologist next, he must see if your blood sugar levels have been consistent. These blood sugar levels should hold true irrespective of what
you eat or drink daily. That’s where HbA1c comes in!

what is the best time for hba1c test?

What is “significance of HbA1c”?

An individual’s average blood glucose levels over two to three months can be determined by analyzing
the glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in their blood. Confusing?

Let’s break it up!

The term “glycated hemoglobin” or HbA1c refers to the hemoglobin (Hb) that randomly links (glycates) with red blood cells. The likelihood of this connection occurring increases when blood glucose levels are high. The amount of HbA1c in the bloodstream can be used to estimate the average blood glucose level throughout a period of 120 days since that is the average lifespan of a red blood cell (RBC) in the blood.

HbA1c values are higher in diabetics because they often have more available blood glucose.

Importance of HbA1c in diabetes

The HbA1c test procedure is the gold standard for monitoring blood sugar levels. The HbA1c level is
now suggested as a standard of care (SOC) for testing and monitoring diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes.

But don’t fasting blood sugar reports and post-prandial blood sugar levels give you similar results?

The goal of the fasting blood glucose test is to determine how much glucose is present in your blood
after you’ve fasted for at least 8 hours and no more than 16 hours. A non-diabetic person’s fasting blood sugar level should ideally not be higher than 100 mg/dL.

Post-prandial blood glucose testing is done to determine how your blood sugar levels have changed
following a meal. It typically takes place two hours after eating. The target postprandial blood glucose
level should be less than 140 mg/dL.

Yet diabetologists swear by the significance of HbA1c. This is because of the following:

  • ● HbA1c levels are unaffected by what you eat or drink. It is not determined by how long you fast
    or when you eat.
  • ● High cortisol levels in stress, anxiety, and poor mental health conditions do not affect HbA1c
    levels.
  • ● It is unaffected by transient hormonal peaks since it is a marker of long-term blood sugar levels.
  • ● Studies show that it can be used by the vast majority of people worldwide with zero to minimal
    variability among different ethnic origins and genetic inheritance.
  • ● At the normal body temperature of 98.4℉, HbA1c is a more stable form of glucose than the frank
    glucose molecules in the blood.
  • ● It does not need any preparation. If your diabetologist detects signs and symptoms of diabetes,
    you can get the HbA1c test done immediately.
  • ● It tells us how well your diabetes is being managed; it is hard to fool your doctor that way!
  • ● It indicates if you are prone to other diabetes-related health conditions.

However, certain conditions can alter the physiology of red blood cells, for example, anemia. Anemia
results in reduced hemoglobin quality and can give false HbA1c results.

HbA1c test procedure

The diabetologist can order this test as a routine procedure. Usually, you don’t need to be on an empty
stomach for the sample collection for HbA1c, unless the doctor wants to specifically monitor your fasting
blood sugar as well.

The concerned lab technician will draw blood from your arm and send it to a lab for HbA1c testing.
Finger prick tests require a single drop of blood to provide a reading, making them more practical for
children or those who have trouble delivering more extensive blood samples.

Is fasting required for hba1c test?

What is the best time for HbA1c test?

If you have recently been diagnosed with diabetes, pregnancy-associated diabetes, fluctuating HbA1c
readings, a change of medications or insulin dosages, or have a history of hypoglycemia (low blood
sugar), your doctor may advise quarterly monitoring (every 3 months).

Given that HbA1c is a measurement of average blood sugar over three months, performing HbA1c more
than four times a year makes no sense.

Understanding the HbA1c normal range

This is the tricky part since most of you need help understanding the readings. Today we shall study how
to read the reports together.

Typically, HbA1c is expressed as a percentage or in mmol/mol (mili-mols per mol). For instance, suppose your HbA1c is written as 6.6% (NGSP) and 49 mmol/mol (IFCC), it means that there are 49 molecules of glycated hemoglobin, or HbA1c, per 1000 hemoglobin (Hb) molecules. The same thing as a percentage is expressed as 6.6%.

Clinics are going towards using IFCC (2003) as the suggested measurement because it is more recent and precise. NGSP (1996) is an earlier study that focuses more on clinical outcomes than accuracy.

The Australian Diabetes Society, came up with a conversion table to help people worldwide in reading
the HbA1c values.

● NGSP value = 0.09148 × (IFCC value)+ 2.152
● IFCC value = 10.93 × (NGSP value) – 23.50

Scientific research clearly states the normal range for the HbA1c test procedure. The ranges are as
follows:

● The A1c range for a person without diabetes is 4% to 6%.
● A1c levels in diabetics will usually be in the range of 6.5% (47 mmol/mol).
● A1c ranges from 5.7% to 6.4% (39–46 mmol/mol) in pre-diabetes (a higher chance of developing
diabetes in the future).

HbA1c alone, might not be sufficient to identify diabetes. Other health factors and tests contribute to the
diagnosis.

Factors that can affect the HbA1c test procedure

Since HbA1c is dependent on hemoglobin, it can vary with all the factors that affect the quantity and
quality of hemoglobin in the blood. To discuss some of these factors:

1. Genetic variants of hemoglobin

Hemoglobin variations occur in certain diseases; hemoglobin S is seen in sickle cell anemia, and
hemoglobin E in beta-thalassemia. Results for HbA1c in those with high levels of hemoglobin variations
can be unreliable.

2. Gender

Studies suggest that glycated hemoglobin is well-defined in men only after a significant increase in blood sugar levels
and fat deposition in the body.

3. Age

HbA1c levels rise with age, even in the absence of diabetes. HbA1c is 0.5% higher in people over 70
years old as compared to those who are younger.

4. A recent blood donation

HbA1c drops following a blood donation. Therefore, after blood donation, even in diabetic patients,
HbA1c levels are probably going to be low.

5. Pregnancy

Studies suggest that in a typical, non-diabetic pregnancy, HbA1c values fall during the second trimester
and climb during the third.

Takeaway

The significance of HbA1c is a useful tool for diabetics to forecast their long-term health. Still, a high
reading may not necessarily indicate poor blood sugar maintenance and a good reading does not
guarantee that diabetes will not have long-term effects on you.

FAQ

What happens when HbA1c is high?

When HbA1c levels are high, it indicates that the average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months
have been elevated. If left untreated, high HbA1c levels can lead to various complications, such as an
increased risk of heart disease, eye damage, blindness, kidney damage, and slow wound healing. Use at-
home glucose monitoring and a healthy diet to help you manage diabetes.

What foods reduce Glycated Hb?

Foods that can help lower HbA1c levels include non-starchy vegetables, whole grains, beans and
legumes, fruits, nuts and seeds, and lean protein sources. Incorporating these foods into a healthy diet can help to regulate your blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.

Is fasting required for hba1c test?

No its last 3 months average blood glucose test and can be done anytime.

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