Questions about long-term blood sugar (HbA1c):

• Why should I test my long-term blood sugar?

  Our daily eating and drinking habits and the consumption of alcohol and cigarettes contribute to an increasing number of cases of obesity and type 2 diabetes . With diabetes, a person's blood sugar levels are consisently too high. From your HbA1c level, you can determine your average blood sugar in the last 2-3 months.

  This way as soon as you recognize the effects of increased blood sugar levels, steps to control blood sugar can be taken earlier. For example, you can change your diet and incorporate more exercise into your daily routine.

• How does the Long-term blood sugar test work?

  For the Long-term blood sugar test, take a small blood sample from your fingertip with a lancet. Collect the sample with the blood collection device and mail it via the return envelope to our specialized lab. The lab will examine the ratio of haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) to the total haemoglobin level and thus the amount of sugar in your blood.

  You can perform the HbA1c test at any time of the day, without fasting and with only a small amount of blood.

• What does the result of the Long-term blood sugar test tell me?

  The Long-term blood sugar test will tell you how much sugar your blood is carrying with HbA1c. This can be used to determine your average blood sugar level of the last 2-3 months

  Your level will fall into one of three result ranges:
  - Less than 5.7 percent: Your blood sugar is within the normal range
  - 5.7 to 6.5 percent: You are in the grey area and should check your diabetes risk with a doctor
  - More than 6.5 percent: You should definitely consult a doctor about a possible diabetes condition

• What kind of recommendations will I receive?

  The results report gives tips on how to avoid high blood sugar levels and thus prevent the possibility of contracting diabetes.

  The goal is to regularly check your HbA1c long-term blood sugar level, to lose excess bodyweight, to avoid sugar in your diet as much as possible, and to lower your stress level.

  If you suspect you have diabetes or have a high risk of diabetes, you should see a doctor.

• What is the HbA1c value?

  Hemoglobin is the pigment of a red blood cell, that serves to transport oxygen in human blood. Glucose residues—sugar in the blood—remain attached to hemoglobin for at least 30 days. Experts call the mixture of blood pigment and glucose hemoglobin A1c or HbA1c.

  A blood sample can be used to determine how much HbA1c is present in the blood and how large the proportion of HbA1c to the total of hemoglobin is. The percentage that indicates this proportion is the HbA1c level, also called long-term blood sugar level.

• What is a high blood sugar level?

  The symptoms of high blood sugar are usually relatively unclear and difficult to detect. People often get used to blood sugar fluctuations until they no longer notice their symptoms. This is often the case if you already have type 2 diabetes.

  However, there are some typical symptoms of hyperglycaemia:
  - Increased urge to urinate
  - Excessive thirst
  - Fatigue
  - Headache

• What is a low blood sugar level?

  Even a low blood sugar can be problematic - the blood cannot flush enough glucose throughout the body, causing a lack of energy in the brain. This can happen for example due to intense stress, extreme physical strain, or alcohol consumption. Strict fasting can significantly lower the blood sugar levels, especially in type 1 diabetics.

  Possible symptoms of hypoglycaemia:
  - Shaky legs
  - Tachycardia (rapid heartbeat), severe sweating, chills
  - Cravings
  - Fatigue and difficulty concentrating
  - Confusion, and anxiety attacks

• Why do we have sugar in the blood?

  Blood sugar is an important part of our energy metabolism. The sugar glucose provides energy, which our body needs to function. For example, glucose reaches the brain via the blood.

  The insulin hormone plays an important role in this. It controls how much sugar from the blood reaches our cells. It also regulates our blood sugar level and ensures that the value in healthy people is always within the normal range. If there is too little insulin in the body, blood sugar levels will rise.