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High glycosylated hemoglobin: causes, consequences and treatment

by Alivia Nyhan
Published: Last Updated on

People who have associated risk factors for diabetes mellitus or people who have diabetes should have glycosylated hemoglobin or HbA1c test. If used as a diagnostic method, it is requested in conjunction with other tests. This is responsible for measuring the average glucose found in the blood and that, in addition, adheres to hemoglobin for a specific time, approximately three months, being able to determine with it how diabetes is controlled in the patient. The higher the percentage of glycated hemoglobin, the higher the blood sugar level. At FastlyHeal, we will explain in detail what are the causes of high glycosylated hemoglobin, the consequences, and how to lower it.

Glycosylated hemoglobin: average values

The study of glycosylated hemoglobin makes it possible to determine the percentage of glucose that adheres to hemoglobin, taking into account this parameter in a diagnostic and control way for diabetic patients. Glucose at high levels maintained for a certain period will comply with the hemoglobin obtaining a reference value in an average of 3 months.

The average glycosylated hemoglobin values will depend on whether it is a diagnostic or control method. In case the HbA1c value is used for diagnosis, the average values ​​are:

  • A healthy person should have an average glycated hemoglobin value of less than 5.7%.
  • Glycosylated hemoglobin of 5.7% or more but less than 6.5% is considered to have prediabetes.
  • An HbA1c of 6.5% or more measured on two separate occasions diagnoses the presence of diabetes mellitus.

On the other hand, in case the result of the glycosylated hemoglobin is used as a reference to determine the control of the disease in the patient:

  • The ideal value established is less than 7%. It is higher than the reference limit for healthy people, reflecting adequate glycemic control.
  • If the result obtained is between 7% and 7.9%, it is considered abnormal for the diabetic adult.
  • Finally, if the result is more significant than 8%, it reflects poorly controlled diabetes mellitus.

High glycosylated hemoglobin: causes

The leading causes of high glycated hemoglobin are as follows:

  1. The failure of the treatment for diabetes mellitus is the leading cause of glycated hemoglobin having high values, includes not taking insulin or an inadequate dose use and oversight of oral hypoglycemic agents.
  2. The violation of the diet is related to an increase in the values ​​of glycosylated hemoglobin. Consuming excess carbohydrates or sugary drinks, such as soft drinks, will turn into glucose over time, which can remain increased in the blood circulation and, in this way, adhere to hemoglobin.

Other causes of high glycated hemoglobin

  • Do not exercise or do any physical activity.
  • Stress and anxiety
  • Consumption of alcoholic beverages.
  • Iron deficiency anemia.

The increase in the concentration of glycated hemoglobin is related to the manifestation of symptoms such as increased thirst, blurred vision, dizziness, feeling, or frequent urge to urinate.

High glycosylated hemoglobin: consequences

High glycosylated hemoglobin can lead to significant health problems:

  1. Cardiovascular risks: High glycated hemoglobin levels can increase the risk of cardiovascular problems. The Spanish Society of Cardiology [1] carried out a comparative article on the predictive value of glycosylated hemoglobin and fasting glucose concerning the onset of diabetes and cardiovascular problems. Eleven thousand ninety-two patients were studied for 14 consecutive years, obtaining; as a result a significant association between HbA1c values ​​and the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular problems.
  2. Another necessary consequence is diabetic retinopathy: excess sugar causes damage to the capillaries of the retina.
  3. The injury causes diabetic nephropathy in the renal vein generated by high glycated hemoglobin values.
  4. Finally, diabetic neuropathy is induced by excess blood glucose that affects nerve endings, which can cause loss of sensitivity, especially in the extremities of the body.

How to lower glycated hemoglobin

First, the treatment that the person is using should be reviewed, and if the HbA1c result is above 8%, it is indicative that the treatment the patient is using is not being correct and effective.

On the other hand, the patient’s diet should be reviewed since if it is not the correct one, it is normal for the glycosylated hemoglobin to be high. The diet should include:

  1. Vegetables provide vitamins, minerals, proteins, and fibers, such as asparagus, broccoli, spinach, tomato, and carrot.
  2. Including fruits regularly is beneficial in controlling blood glucose levels and, therefore, improving the concentration of glycosylated hemoglobin. Consuming grapefruit, blueberries, apple, melon, and berries are recommended.
  3. The protein should preferably be white fish.

Another essential factor to consider is the physical activity or exercise that the patient performs, as well as the weight control they have. Sometimes constant physical activity with appropriate weight loss is enough to control glycated hemoglobin levels. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) [2] explains that structured exercise training is associated with significantly reducing glycosylated hemoglobin levels. The longer the exercise time in the week, the more significant the decrease in HbA1c (approximately 0.67% decrease).

You can expand this information by consulting the article How to lower glycated hemoglobin naturally.

Medically glycosylated hemoglobin is an essential value for diagnosing and controlling diabetes mellitus. A study must be carried out every three months in diabetic patients in treatment to determine the effectiveness of the therapeutic plan in each one of them.

This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor if you present any condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to High glycated hemoglobin: causes, consequences, and how to lower it, we recommend that you enter our category of Blood, heart, and circulation.

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