Why the HbA1c test is important for your workforce

The HbA1c test, also known as the glycated haemoglobin test, is a simple but powerful blood test that provides insight into an individual's average blood sugar levels over the previous 2 or 3 months. It plays a key role in highlighting risk and monitoring type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes, helping individuals to make informed decisions about their health, lifestyle and treatment.

How does a HbA1c test work?

When sugar (glucose) circulates in the bloodstream, it can attach to haemoglobin – the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. This combination forms glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c). Since red blood cells live for about 2-3 months, measuring the percentage of HbA1c gives a reliable picture of someone's long-term blood sugar control.

Unlike standard glucose tests, which only show the blood sugar level at a single point in time, the HbA1c test reflects the average levels over a longer period. This makes it particularly useful in identifying trends and risks that could otherwise go unnoticed.

Why is the HbA1c test important?

High HbA1c levels can be an indicator of poor blood sugar control, which can increase the risk of serious health complications such as:

• Heart disease and stroke

• Kidney damage

• Eye problems

• Nerve damage

Even if an individual hasn’t been diagnosed with diabetes, regularly checking HbA1c levels can help to understand the risk and monitor any changes, which would allow for proactive steps to be taken to improve their health if levels get flagged. These changes could include a healthier diet, losing weight or simply increasing activity levels.

Who should have the HbA1c test?

People living with diabetes should have a HbA1c blood test at least annually, but some may need more regular checks if their blood sugar level readings are too high. This blood test is also recommended for those who:

• Have symptoms of diabetes or pre-diabetes

• Have a family history of diabetes

• Are overweight or have other risk factors

At Bluecrest, the HbA1c test is available as standard in all our business packages – giving all employees access to this insightful data, no matter the package you choose.

What do the results mean?

When your employees receive their results, they will clearly be able to see where they fall on the sliding scale of green, amber or red, as shown below.

If they were to receive an amber result it could suggest that their body is not controlling their blood sugar levels normally and could indicate pre-diabetes. It would be recommended that they seek further investigation and speak to a healthcare professional. A red result would indicate their body isn’t controlling their blood sugar levels normally and that they may have diabetes - this would require further investigation from their healthcare professional.

If you have diabetes, you will have a slightly different range and flags, if your HbA1c test comes back as amber or red it would suggest that your diabetes is not optimally controlled and the recommendation would be to seek additional advice from your healthcare professional to discuss this further.

What impact can diabetes have on business?

Approximately £3.3bn is lost annually due to absenteeism, reduced productivity (presenteeism) and early retirement. An estimated 38% of employees with diabetes aged 45-64 exit the workforce early due to diabetes complications.

As well as the impact on productivity and output, there is also a safety risk for those with uncontrolled or undetected diabetes as diabetes can lead to hypoglycaemic episodes, which impair concentration and coordination. Severe hypos can result in seizures or unconsciousness, with 1-3 incidents per 1,000 employees per month. Many employees and managers report not having the training or knowledge necessary to help a colleague if they were to experience a hypoglycaemic episode.

This is why it is so important to give your workforce access to key health insights that not only benefit them personally but also help to protect your workforce and business.

To learn more about Bluecrest and how we can help you, contact us today.