MyHealthTest HbA1c Test Kit
We’ve partnered with MyHealthTest and built an integration with the HeadUp app to give you an opportunity to test your risk of developing type 2 diabetes
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So what exactly is the HbA1c Test Kit?
Maybe you’re a little scared of taking this test. What if it’s not the answer you want? What will it mean for you?
First, you should know that if your HbA1c levels aren’t where they need to be, you won’t be alone. Hundreds of millions of people have high HbA1c levels.
Left unaddressed, pre-diabetes may turn into type 2 diabetes – which affects 1 in 12 adults worldwide. Diabetes increases your risk for heart disease and stroke – two of the biggest killers on earth. If you DO something about pre-diabetes – e.g. losing weight – you reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
That’s exactly what HeadUp is all about. We help you change your thoughts and behaviours towards eating – one small step at a time – so that you can build a life full of healthy little habits that stick.
Because losing weight isn’t just about looking good. It’s about avoiding diseases that kill you.
So, if your HbA1c levels aren’t ideal, it’s OK. We’re here to help you. And if they are – congrats! You can use HeadUp to keep them that way.
We’ve answered some of your questions
IS THE HBA1C TEST RIGHT FOR ME?
Your result will indicate if you may be developing pre-diabetes or diabetes, or, if you’re living with diabetes, if you’re in the recommended range. It can be used in the following ways:
- Check you’re within the healthy range
- Check if you have pre-diabetes
- Identify if you have type 2 diabetes
- Manage your existing diabetes
If your result is above the level considered normal, it is recommended you take your results to your doctor and discuss the best way to manage your health.
IN WHAT SITUATIONS IS THE HBA1C TEST NOT APPROPRIATE?
- For diagnosis of suspected type 1 diabetes
- During Pregnancy or for 2 months post pregnancy
- Following surgery, a blood transfusion or blood donation in the last 3 months
- If you have been taking antipsychotic drugs for less than 2 months or are taking corticosteroids.
WHAT CAN AFFECT THE RESULTS OF THIS TEST?
Some of the sugar in your blood attaches to the haemoglobin inside your red blood cells. Therefore, medical conditions that affect your red blood cells or haemoglobin can affect your HbA1c results. Such conditions include for example anaemia, iron deficiency, vitamin deficiencies or kidney disease amongst others.
The following medications may affect your results:
- Corticosteroids
- Antipsychotic drugs
- Antiretrovirals
- Dapsone
- Aspirin
- High dose Vitamin C or E
Dried blood spot results for HbA1c are comparable to results from traditional blood testing methods, however effects related to improper collection, contamination or transportation of your sample may impact your individual results.
HOW IS HBA1C DIFFERENT FROM A BLOOD GLUCOSE TEST?
Some people with diabetes perform a blood glucose test daily or more frequently. The HbA1c test is different. Both tests are important when managing diabetes.
The daily check is a finger prick test using a small glucose meter. This gives a snapshot of your blood sugar level at the time that you take the finger prick. Blood sugar levels for everyone go up and down during the day and night: when you eat, exercise, get stressed or are unwell. The daily check indicates the blood glucose level at the time that you take the finger prick.
The quarterly check – HbA1c test – measures your average blood sugar over the previous 2-3 months.
The glucose (sugar) that you have in your blood can attach to red blood cells (haemoglobin). When this happens, the glucose remains with the red blood cell for the lifespan of the cell (about 3 months). This is glycated haemoglobin or HbA1c.
A high HbA1c level indicates that there is more glucose attached to the red blood cells. A low HbA1c level indicates that there was less glucose attached. The HbA1c indicates the average blood sugar level over the last 3 months or so.
For people with diabetes the HbA1c test is taken every 3 or 6 months to check that any medication or lifestyle changes have been effective.
HOW ACCURATE IS THE FINGERPRICK HBA1C TEST?
Our fingerprick blood testing service uses MyHealthTest – an accredited pathology lab. The blood testing service is reliable and accurate.
When measuring HbA1c from dried blood spots, results are comparable to testing with traditional whole blood samples (taking blood at a local pathology centre). Researchers from Australian National University developed the dried blood spot fingerprick test. You can read about it here.
WHAT WILL MY RESULTS SAY?
Your results will be reported with two measurements. To avoid confusion with the daily blood glucose test levels, and in keeping with international standards, the HbA1c results are now shown in %, and also in mmol/mol.
There will be three categories of results indicating:
- You may have diabetes
- You may be at high risk of developing diabetes
- Diabetes is not currently likely
HOW WILL I RECEIVE MY RESULTS?
Once you send your test to our partner lab, MyHealthTest, your results will be delivered via their secure website in a matter of days. You can then share your results with your GP or others as you wish.
HeadUp Labs will also display your results in the profile area within the HeadUp Labs app.
Download the HeadUp Labs App now
