Bhubaneswar: The level of HbA1c (an indicator for diabetes) seem to have increased among the diabetics in Bhubaneswar during the pandemic, a study conducted by Novo Nordisk Education Foundation (NNEF), a non-profit organisation, revealed.
The organisation works towards creating awareness and education pertaining to the disease. In the study, NNEF analysed the levels of average blood sugar for a three-month time in September 2020 through the Glycolated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) testing.
In the study, it is said that in September the HbA1c levels showed a rise compared to its last year performance. This year, the levels of studied population in Bhubaneswar stood at 8.31 per cent. The study is based on the 1000-day Challenge programme of the institution.
HbA1c is the best-recommended indicator of long-term blood sugar control and gives an average blood sugar control over the preceding three months. Around 200 people with an average age of 56 years were part of the analysis in the city, out of which 66 per cent were male and 34 per cent female.
Doctors claim that the disease has a direct link with COVID-19 as it can increase the chances of fatalities from the pandemic if uncontrolled diabetes is not taken care of.
Speaking on the report, Dr Jayanta Kumar Panda, professor and head of Department of Medicine, SCB Medical College, Cuttack said, “This high level of HbA1c in Odisha, Bhubaneswar is a matter of serious concern as the risk of fatalities from COVID-19 is 50 per cent higher among people living with diabetes. To keep the glucose level under check, it is essential to pursue a healthy lifestyle by eating clean and regularly performing physical exercises along with medication.”
Doctors claim that with the existing pandemic situation with COVID-19, people with diabetes should keep an adequate stock of medications and supplies for monitoring blood glucose at home. If symptoms like difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath, fever, dry cough, tiredness, aches and pains, sore throat, headache, loss of taste or smell are experienced, immediate medical attention should be sought for these patients.
What is HbA1c and its importance?
- The hemoglobin A1c test tells you your average level of blood sugar over the past two to three months
- It’s also called HbA1c, glycated hemoglobin test, and glycohemoglobin
- People who have diabetes need this test regularly to see if their levels are staying within range
- It can tell if you need to adjust your diabetes medicines
- The A1c test is also used to diagnose diabetes
- The sugar in your blood is called glucose; when glucose builds up in your blood, it binds to the hemoglobin in your red blood cells
- The A1c test measures how much glucose is bound
- Red blood cells live for about three months, so the test shows the average level of glucose in your blood for the past three months
- If your glucose levels have been high over recent weeks, your hemoglobin A1c test will be higher