What does it show | The rate of glycated hemoglobin | Causes of low hemoglobin
In order to make this or that diagnosis, the doctor prescribes a number of laboratory tests. Based on these results, a conclusion is made, and a diagnosis is made. So, if the doctor suspects the patient has diabetes mellitus, then along with the appointment of a blood sugar test, he gives a direction to determine the indicator of glycated hemoglobin. The level of this indicator for a healthy person is in the range of 4.5-6%. More than 6.5% — indicates the presence of diabetes. And if glycated hemoglobin is lowered? What does it mean? In this article, you will find out what are the causes of low hemoglobin.
What does glycated hemoglobin show?
Hemoglobin is a component of erythrocytes. These are blood cells responsible for the “delivery” of carbon dioxide and oxygen. The reaction occurs after the entry of sugar through the erythrocyte membrane. Amino acids react with sugar, and the result is glycated hemoglobin.
The level of this indicator is stable for a long time, about one hundred and twenty days.
Then, having done their job, erythrocytes are destroyed in the spleen, along with glycohemoglobin and its free form.
Glycated hemoglobin shows how the process of carbohydrate metabolism in the body proceeds correctly. It is very accurate and it is necessary if you suspect diabetes. It is also used as a marker showing the risk of developing complications of diabetes mellitus. When planning pregnancy in women with diabetes.
The rate of glycated hemoglobin
The rate of glycated hemoglobin varies from 4.8 to 5.9%. Moreover, for women, the indicator is considered the norm:
- under the age of 30 — 4.9%;
- at the age of 31 — 40 years — 5.8%;
- at the age of 41-50 years — 6.7%;
- aged 51 and older — 7.6%.
If hemoglobin is in the range of 6-7%, women are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus. A level of 7-8% indicates well-compensated diabetes. Indicators from 8 to 10% indicate a fairly well compensated diabetes. Partially compensated diabetes — at rates of 10-12%. And if the level of glycated hemoglobin is more than 12%, then this indicates uncompensated diabetes.
The norm of indicators for women and men differs slightly, by about 0.5%.
Causes of low hemoglobin
Doctors talk about low glycated hemoglobin when its values are less than 4.5%. In pregnant women, this figure may be lower than normal due to an increase in the daily need for iron. It can also be due to profuse uterine bleeding for a long time.
During pregnancy, the level of glycated hemoglobin is checked every 1.5 months. This is due to the fact that this indicator determines how the future baby feels and develops.
A low percentage of glycated hemoglobin in the blood indicates:
- hypoglycemia — low blood sugar;
- the presence of a tumor — pancreatic insulinoma;
- hereditary glucose intolerance.
- Also, the level of glycated hemoglobin decreases in the following cases:
- inadequate use of hypoglycemic drugs or insulin;
- heavy physical activity leading to depletion of the body;
- a carbohydrate-free diet.
In order to bring this indicator back to normal, it is necessary to follow the doctor’s recommendations:
- physical activity is regular, but not exhausting;
- proper nutrition;
- elimination of stressful situations;
- weight control.
Low levels of glycated hemoglobin are rare. But there is a need to be aware of its symptoms. It:
- fast fatiguability;
- irritability;
- drowsiness;
- fainting;
- visual disorder.
Taking tests for glycated hemoglobin makes it possible to determine the disease in the early stages.
Also, to control its course and determine the correctness of the development of unborn babies. With this in mind, if necessary, the doctor can adjust the therapy.
The downside of this analysis is its high cost and the fact that it is not done in all medical institutions.