By Dr. Shruthi Thennati Kayakalpa Clinic, Vadodara MBBS, MD, DipIBLM, PgDip Endocrine (UK) Understanding HbA1c HbA1c is one of the most commonly used tests for diagnosing and monitoring diabetes. It reflects the average blood glucose levels over the past 2–3 months . For many patients, it has become the primary marker used to evaluate blood sugar control. However, relying only on HbA1c can sometimes give an incomplete picture of metabolic health . Why HbA1c May Not Tell the Full Story Although HbA1c is a useful test, several factors can affect its accuracy. In some individuals, HbA1c may appear normal even when blood sugar levels fluctuate significantly. This can happen due to: • Early insulin resistance • Significant post-meal glucose spikes • Conditions affecting red blood cells • Iron deficiency anemia • Certain medical conditions Because of these factors, HbA1c alone may not always detect early metabolic disturbances . The Problem of Po...
By Dr. Shruthi Thennati Kayakalpa Clinic, Vadodara MBBS, MD, DipIBLM, PgDip Endocrine (UK) What Is Prediabetes? Prediabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes . Many people believe diabetes develops suddenly. In reality, it usually progresses through a stage called prediabetes , which can last for several years. During this stage, the body already shows signs of insulin resistance and metabolic imbalance . Why Prediabetes Often Goes Undiagnosed Most individuals with prediabetes do not experience obvious symptoms . Because of this, the condition often remains unnoticed until routine blood tests reveal abnormal glucose levels. Many patients discover prediabetes during tests such as: • Fasting blood sugar • HbA1c • Oral glucose tolerance test Without proper intervention, a significant number of people with prediabetes eventually develop Type 2 Diabetes . Common Risk Factors for Prediab...