This page explains the Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) test, also known as the glycated hemoglobin test, which is commonly used to monitor long-term blood sugar control in people with diabetes, and also helps diagnose prediabetes and diabetes.

This test measures the average amount of sugar (glucose) in your blood over the past two to three months by checking how much glucose has attached to hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in your red blood cells, giving a clear picture of your long-term blood sugar levels.

The 18-hour urine creatinine test measures how much creatinine is eliminated from your body through urine over an 18-hour period. Creatinine is a waste product created when muscles break down creatine, a substance used for muscle energy. Healthy kidneys filter creatinine from the blood and excrete it in urine.

Your doctor orders this test to check for prediabetes or diabetes, to monitor how well you are managing existing diabetes, to adjust your current treatment plan if needed, and to identify your risk of developing complications like heart disease, kidney damage, or nerve problems.

This test is primarily used to evaluate kidney function and detect kidney disease. It helps doctors assess how well your kidneys are filtering waste from your blood. The test may also be used to monitor kidney function in patients with known kidney disease or those taking medications that may affect kidney function.

No special preparation like fasting or dietary changes is needed for this test, and you can eat and drink normally beforehand; a blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm or via a fingerstick, but inform your doctor about any vitamins, supplements, or medications you take.

Your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions. Generally, you will receive a special container for urine collection. On the collection day, start by urinating at a specific time (usually morning) and discard this first sample. Then collect all subsequent urine for the next 18 hours, including the first morning urine on the second day. Keep the container refrigerated or in a cool place during collection. Label the container with your name, date, and collection times.

Results are given as a percentage, with a normal reading below 5.7%, prediabetes in the range of 5.7% to 6.4%, and diabetes at 6.5% or higher, and your doctor will explain what your specific number means and discuss appropriate steps.

Normal creatinine excretion varies based on factors like muscle mass, age, sex, and diet. Higher than normal creatinine levels in urine may indicate kidney problems, while lower levels could suggest reduced kidney function or other conditions. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your individual health profile.