By Admin 
Why HbA1c Test May Be Inaccurate In India: The HbA1c test most commonly used to diagnose and monitor diabetes is not always providing accurate results for millions of people in India. This has come to light in a new research published in the prestigious medical journal Lancet Regional Health- Southeast Asia. According to the study, in countries like India where anemia and blood-related diseases are common, relying solely on HbA1c can be misleading.
No accurate information in these cases
The HbA1c test measures the average blood sugar level over the past two to three months. Generally, a level less than 5.7 percent is considered normal, 5.7 percent to 6.4 percent is considered prediabetes, and 6.5 percent or more is considered diabetes. But research has shown that this test can give wrong results in people who have anemia, genetic disorders related to hemoglobin or deficiency of G6PD enzyme.
Professor Anoop Mishra, who is leading this study and Chairman of Fortis C-Doc Center of Excellence for Diabetes, says that HbA1c completely depends on hemoglobin. In such a situation, if the amount, structure or age of hemoglobin is affected, then the correct estimation of blood sugar cannot be done. He warned that relying only on HbA1c may lead to late diagnosis of diabetes in some patients, while others may also be misdiagnosed.
In many parts of the country, 50 percent of the population is iron deficient.
According to study co-author Dr. Shashank Joshi, problems related to red blood cells can affect HbA1c results even in urban hospitals. However, in rural and tribal areas, where anemia is very common, this problem becomes more serious. Research has also shown that in many parts of India, more than 50 percent of the population is suffering from iron deficiency, which can worsen HbA1c readings. In some cases, diabetes may be diagnosed up to four years late in men with G6PD deficiency, increasing the risk of complications.
What suggestions do experts give?
Experts suggest that in countries like India, HbA1c should not be used alone but in combination with other tests to detect diabetes. These include oral glucose tolerance test, regular monitoring of blood glucose, and basic blood tests. In severe cases, options like CGM and fructosamine may also be useful. This study emphasizes that HbA1c is no longer the ‘gold standard’ in anemia-affected populations and it is necessary to adopt a screening method according to the circumstances for the correct diagnosis of diabetes.
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Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.
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