Please note that in case you feel dizzy upon being pricked, immediately notify the doctor or the technician. Also, in some cases, the bleeding may not stop immediately. The technicians usually place a bandage over the pricked area, and it should heal in some time.
The point-of-care test is a follow-up test which is conducted through a finger prick. It is usually a post-diagnosis test which is done to measure and monitor the already existent diabetes.
In most of the cases, the patients can leave immediately or a few moments after the test.
Understanding HbA1c Test Results
The tests are of two kinds; one to diagnose and the other to monitor the levels of already diagnosed diabetes. Thus, the results are also interpreted accordingly.
In the case of diabetes monitoring, you first need to consult your doctor with regards to the A1c benchmark which has been set for you. Any fluctuation thereof is then assessed by the doctor. For instance, a higher level of blood sugar can lead to a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. On the other hand, a low level of blood sugar or hypoglycemia can lead to kidney disorders, anorexia, sepsis, and more.
In the case of diabetes screening, usually, if the A1c levels are below 5.7 per cent, there is no risk of diabetes. On the other hand, if it crosses 6.5 per cent, the person is diabetic. Anything in between is a borderline or prediabetic case.
HbA1c tests require follow-ups. There may be instances when your A1c levels are high yet you do not display symptoms of high blood sugar. In that case, the doctor may conduct a glucose tolerance test or a fasting plasma glucose test. In case of the symptoms being present, the doctors suggest lifestyle changes, along with medication and exercise. A high level of blood sugar level along with A1c levels hovering just on the border. In this case, yearly tests will be conducted by the doctor to make sure the levels are brought down.
HbA1c test is a usual test which needs to be conducted to make sure you do not tumble over the higher side of blood sugar.