What is HbA1c protein, what is it for and normal values
Recently we told you that the vegetarian diet is effective to fight diabetes, as we have been able to know after the publication of a scientific study carried out by researchers from the College of Medicine of the University of George Washington, who analyzed 255 people with type 2 diabetes from different countries, and who showed the protective qualities that following a diet rich in vegetables and low in fat and meat, is in the treatment of diabetes.
In the particular case of diabetes, as you surely know, there are basically two types: type 1 diabetes (which can not be prevented until now), and type 2 diabetes, which can be prevented by being more related to excess weight and with the maintenance of not so healthy habits. At the time of prevent type 2 diabetes, it is essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle, reducing excess weight in case of overweight or obesity, exercise regularly and maintain a varied and healthy diet. On this occasion we want to delve into the HbA1c protein.
What is HbA1c protein?
Known with the name of HbA1c, or with the names of glycosylated hemoglobin (although it is not very correct to call it that) or glycosylated hemoglobin, consists of a heteroprotein of the blood, result of the union of hemoglobin with carbohydrates linked to carbonated chains with acidic functions in carbon 3 and 4.
It is a laboratory test widely used in diabetes, so it is a useful parameter that is usually included in the different blood tests that are performed periodically to the diabetic patient.
What is the HbA1c protein used for?
As we mentioned briefly in the previous lines, this protein is analyzed in laboratory tests in diabetic patients, given that It is useful to know if the control carried out by the patient on his disease has been adequate during the last two, three or four months.
This is because glucose tends to adhere to some types of proteins, as for example is the case of hemoglobin, so that depending on the values that exist in blood HbA1c protein would reduce the risk of complications of diabetes , such as both micro and macrovascular diseases. In fact decreasing this value improves the prognosis of people with diabetes, by reducing the risk of complications.
Normal values of HbA1c
When a person has diabetes the objective from a medical point of view is to keep the HbA1c protein level below 7%. However, the following blood values can be established:
- Normal values (when there is no diabetes): less than 5.7%
- Prediabetes: between 5.7 to 6.4%
- Diabetes: 6.5% or more
On the other hand, it must be borne in mind that the result of the examination may vary in the case of thalassemia (blood disorders), nephropathy and anemia.
Image | Thirteen Of Clubs This article is published for informational purposes only. It can not and should not replace the consultation with a Physician. We advise you to consult your Trusted Doctor. ThemesBlood test
