OmegaQuant launches HbA1c Test to measure blood sugar

Image courtesy of OmegaQuant

OmegaQuant (Sioux Falls, SD) has announced the launch of an HbA1c Test, with an at-home sample collection kit. The test allows people to measure the amount of blood sugar (glucose) in the blood. When glucose builds up in the blood, it bind to a protein called hemoglobin. Therefore, testing hemoglobin A1c levels is a reliable way to determine your body’s ability to metabolize glucose. As opposed to a fasting glucose test, the HbA1c Test captures someone’s blood sugar status over a period of three months.

The optimal range of HbA1c is 4.5-5.7%, therefore a result between 5.7-6.2% would indiciate the development of prediabetes, and higher than 6.2% would indicate diabetes. Test results should be discussed with healthcare providers. The test consists of a simple finger stick and a few drops of blood.

"The HbA1c test is similar to the Omega-3 Index test in that it captures someone’s status over a period of time, in this case three months or so. This offers a more accurate picture of one’s dietary intake and could indicate that dietary or lifestyle changes are needed if their blood sugar level is not in the optimal range," said Kelly Patterson, MS, RD, LDN, CSSD, clinical nutrition educator for OmegaQuant, in a press release. "This test will truly help people measure, modify and monitor their blood sugar status."