Top Three Reasons to Test HbA1c Levels At Home For Diabetes

Hemoglobin A1c, or HbA1c, is a blood test that shows your average blood sugar level over the past two to three months. The test can be used to diagnose type 2 diabetes and to identify people at risk for prediabetes, a condition that may not present obvious symptoms. For people living with diabetes, blood sugar levels need constant monitoring.

Since May is Women’s Health Month and this week is Women’s Health Week, here are some important reasons from the CDC that everyone, especially women should test their HbA1c levels early & regularly. 

• Diabetes increases the risk of heart disease by about four times for women versus only two times for men.
• Women are at higher risk than men for diabetes-related complications like kidney disease, depression and blindness.
• Women are at higher risk to develop urinary tract infections from diabetes.
• Women of color – African American, Hispanic/Latina, American Indian/Alaska Native, and Asian/Pacific Islander women are more likely to have diabetes than white women.

 In the past, HbA1c tests have required a doctor’s visit, but thanks to new innovations in testing, it’s now possible to monitor HbA1c levels at home and get results with the same accuracy as a test your physician would order.

We’ve put together a list of the top reasons to test HbA1c levels at home.

 Ease

At home HbA1c tests eliminate the hassles that come with doctor’s appointments: scheduling, traveling, and potentially costly copays. Instead, it allows you to get the same results from the convenience of your home. At home hbA1c tests only need a finger-prick blood sample, making them easy to use. Tests kits come with everything you need, including an alcohol swab, lancet, and collection card. 

Accuracy

At-home HbA1c tests, when taken correctly, are considered to be as accurate as tests done during a doctor’s visit. However, accuracy can vary across different tests. Only tests with a CLIA label are confirmed to follow the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments set by the FDA.  

Affordability

HbA1c levels need to be tested on a regular basis. For the many Americans who are uninsured, underinsured, or on a fixed income, frequent doctor’s visits can be expensive. At-home testing is a cost-effective alternative to doctor’s visits, and offers potential long-term savings.

Monitoring and maintaining glucose levels is vital to diabetes management and may help prevent diabetes complications such as heart disease, kidney disease, and nerve damage. The convenience, accuracy, and affordability of at-home testing allows individuals to take control of their health. 

If you’re interested in closing gaps for the communities you serve by providing at home HbA1c testing, reach out to the Simple HealthKit team. Simple HealthKit also has an at-home HbA1c test available at our store.