Why in the news-

• India faces a significant burden of diabetes, with an estimated 10.13 crore people affected and an additional 13.6 crore individuals classified as pre-diabetic.
• One of the most commonly-used tests to diagnose pre-diabetes and diabetes (both type 1 and type 2) and to help manage diabetes, is the haemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) test.

What is the HbA1C Test?

• The HbA1C test, or glycated haemoglobin test, serves as a vital tool for diagnosing pre-diabetes and diabetes, offering insights into long-term blood glucose control.
• It measures the percentage of red blood cells coated with sugar.
• It provides a comprehensive view of average blood glucose levels over the preceding two to three months.
• It is recommended for individuals over 30 years and those with specific risk factors, with retests scheduled based on initial findings and individual health profiles.

Evolution and Acceptance

• Initially inconsistent, the test gained recognition for its correlation with blood glucose values and its role in monitoring glycemia, leading to improved standardization and accuracy.
• It is endorsed by medical bodies like World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Diabetes Association and.
• This underscores the test’s diagnostic utility, subject to stringent quality assurance measures.

Interpretation of Results

• Results are typically presented as percentages.

1. Normal: Values below 5.7% are considered
2. Pre-diabetes: 5.7% to 6.4%
3. Diabetes: 6.5% or higher

• Alternatively, results may be expressed in mmol/mol, providing a comparable metric for assessment.

Limitations of the Test

• While informative, the HbA1C test may be supplemented by other tests, particularly in populations with conditions affecting assay accuracy.
• In India, factors like thalassemia prevalence and iron-deficiency anemia may impact test reliability, necessitating caution and additional indices for glycemic assessment.

PYQ:

‘Aerial metagenomics’ best refers to which one of the following situations?

1. Collecting DNA samples from air in a habitat at one go
2. Understanding the genetic makeup of avian species of a habitat
3. Using air-borne devices to collect blood samples from moving animals
4. Sending drones to inaccessible areas to collect plant and animal samples from land surfaces and water bodies

Practice MCQ:

Consider the following statements about the HbA1C test:

1. It is used in the diagnosis of Sickle Cell Disease.
2. It measures the percentage of red blood cells coated with sugar.
3. It is recommended for individuals over 30 years.

How many of the given statements is/are correct?

1. One
2. Two
3. Three
4. None

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