Treatment FAQ

what is the significance of ghb levels in diagnosis and treatment of diabetes?

by Doris Bergnaum Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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The higher your blood sugar levels, the more hemoglobin you'll have with sugar attached. An A1C level of 6.5% or higher on two separate tests indicates that you have diabetes. An A1C between 5.7 and 6.4 % indicates prediabetes. Below 5.7 is considered normal.

These results highlight the importance of GHb levels in mortality risk among a nationally representative sample of adults with and without diagnosed diabetes and indicate that higher levels are associated with increased mortality in adults with diabetes.Apr 28, 2009

Full Answer

What is GHB testing and why is it important?

GHb testing is being used routinely all around the world to help people with insulin-dependent (type I) diabetes and non-insulin-dependent (type II) diabetes manage their disease. The test has also played an important role in many diabetes research projects, including the recently completed Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT).

When should the GHB level be measured?

The ADA recommends that the GHb level first be measured at the time of diagnosis and initiation of treatment.

How does GHB affect the body?

GHB acts on the hypothalamus, which is involved in maintaining a number of regulatory functions in the body. One of the consequences of GHB is that the regulatory functions of the hypothalamus regarding body temperature can be disrupted, and individuals can become overheated extremely quickly.

What does it mean when your GHB is 6 percent?

In a person with diabetes, the level is typically higher because of the higher blood glucose levels. How much higher depends on what the person’s average blood glucose level has been. For example, if average blood glucose is 120 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl), the GHb is about 6 percent.

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What is GHb in diabetes?

General Information. Glycohaemoglobin (GHb) is a general term for whole blood glucose complexes that are non-enzymatically bound to alpha and beta chains of human haemoglobin. The most quantitatively prevalent complex is called HbA1C, in which glucose binds to the N-terminus of the alpha chain.

What is test HbA1c GHb for?

Use of GHb (HbA1c) in screening for undiagnosed diabetes in the U.S. population. Diabetes Care.

What does a high hemoglobin A1C level mean?

A normal A1C level is below 5.7%, a level of 5.7% to 6.4% indicates prediabetes, and a level of 6.5% or more indicates diabetes. Within the 5.7% to 6.4% prediabetes range, the higher your A1C, the greater your risk is for developing type 2 diabetes.

What is the clinical significance of hyperglycemia?

Hyperglycemia (high blood glucose) means there is too much sugar in the blood because the body lacks enough insulin. Associated with diabetes, hyperglycemia can cause vomiting, excessive hunger and thirst, rapid heartbeat, vision problems and other symptoms. Untreated hyperglycemia can lead to serious health problems.

What is normal HbA1c by age?

Reference values for HbA1c in age-groups For individuals aged 20–39 years the upper reference limit (URL) for HbA1c was 6.0% (42.1 mmolmol) increasing to 6.1% (43.2 mmol/mol) for individuals aged 40–59 years while for people aged ≥60 years the URL was 6.5% (47.5 mmol/mol).

At what A1C level does damage start?

According to the ADA, A1C level below 5.7 percent is considered normal. An A1C between 5.7 and 6.4 percent signals prediabetes, according to the ADA. Type 2 diabetes is diagnosed when the A1C is at or over 6.5 percent. For many people with type 2 diabetes, the goal is to lower A1C levels to a healthier percentage.

What is normal A1C for a 70 year old?

The key measure of diabetes control is hemoglobin A1c. For healthy over 65ers with long life expectancy, the target should be 7.0 – 7.5%.

Is it possible to have a high A1C and not be diabetic?

Yes, some conditions may raise the level of A1C in your blood, but that does not mean you have diabetes. According to a study by Elizabeth Selvin, a single elevated A1C level greater than 6% was found in the general population with no history of diabetes.

How can I get my A1C down quickly?

Exercise is one of the best ways to lower blood sugar. A single session of exercise can lower blood sugar for 24 hours or more. Get in the gym consistently, and your A1C level will drop as well. Helpful as exercise is for your A1C, you can sabotage your efforts if you don't eat right.

What is the clinical significance of hypoglycemia?

Severe hypoglycemia is associated with significant morbidity such as cognitive impairment and can cause major neurological disability, including difficulty concentrating, drowsiness, and poor coordination. When blood glucose falls below 2.8 mmol/L, the majority of cognitive modalities are impaired.

What level is hyperglycemia?

If someone has readings over 7.8 mmol/l (140 mg/dl), they are considered to have hyperglycemia. These high blood sugar levels mainly occur if there isn't enough insulin or the insulin doesn't work properly.

What is clinical significance of type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is an impairment in the way the body regulates and uses sugar (glucose) as a fuel. This long-term (chronic) condition results in too much sugar circulating in the bloodstream. Eventually, high blood sugar levels can lead to disorders of the circulatory, nervous and immune systems.

What is GHB B blood test?

Abstract. A new laboratory test, glycohemoglobin determination, can be used to monitor long-term blood glucose levels with a single venipuncture, regardless of whether the patient is in a fasting state.

What is the normal HbA1c level?

HbA1c in diagnosisHbA1cmmol/mol%NormalBelow 42 mmol/molBelow 6.0%Prediabetes42 to 47 mmol/mol6.0% to 6.4%Diabetes48 mmol/mol or over6.5% or over

What illnesses can blood tests detect?

Even if a person does not have heart disease, a blood test can show whether they may be at risk of developing the condition....Your doctor can also use blood tests to search for markers of diseases and health conditions such as:diabetes.HIV.anemia.cancer.coronary heart disease.

What is the normal range for glycohemoglobin?

Less than 5.7% means you don't have diabetes. 5.7% to 6.4% signals pre-diabetes. 6.5% or higher means a diabetes diagnosis. 7% or lower is the goal for someone trying to manage their diabetes.

Why is GHB higher in diabetics?

In a person with diabetes, the level is typically higher because of the higher blood glucose levels. How much higher depends on what the person’s average blood glucose level has been. For example, if average blood glucose is 120 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl), the GHb is about 6 percent. An average blood glucose level of 330 will produce a GHb ...

How long does a GHB last?

The GHb level is not a simple average of all the blood glucose level ups-and-downs over the past 4 months. It is a "weighted average.". An individual red blood cell lives 120 days—about 4 months. But you don’t get a complete turnover of red blood cells once every 4 months.

How long does it take for a glucose level to change?

But you don’t need to wait 4 months to see a meaningful change in your GHb level after your blood glucose control changes. Depending on how great the change is (up or down), your GHb test can show quite a big change after only one to two weeks.

What is the average blood glucose level for type 2 diabetes?

Let’s say you have type II diabetes and you test your blood glucose once a day, before breakfast. The level is usually around 120 mg/dl. But your last GHb test tells you that your average blood glucose is more like 250. That’s worth knowing.

What is the hemoglobin A1C test?

Hemoglobin A1C (also written HbA1C) is a very specific GHb in which the hemoglobin-glucose linkage takes place at only one place on the hemoglobin molecule. Some GHb test methods measure only hemoglobin A1C while others measure all GHbs together. Other terms you may encounter include hemoglobin A1, total glycated hemoglobin, or total GHb.

What does a glycohemoglobin test tell you?

(You’ve probably heard of the most common one—the HbA1C.) A glycohemoglobin (GHb) test tells you what your average blood glucose level was over the past 4 months, yet it requires only a single drop of blood, ...

What does a glucose test do?

The blood glucose tests you do yourself measure the level of glucose in your blood at the time of the test. These are very important for the day-to-day management of your diabetes. They may prompt you to eat a snack, take more insulin, or exercise more or less.

What is GHB

GHB (gamma hydroxybutyrate) is a depressant drug. Depressant drugs do not necessarily make a person feel depressed. They slow down the activity of the central nervous system and the messages going between the brain and the body. Other depressants include alcohol, benzodiazepines, cannabis and heroin.

Other names

G, fantasy, grievous bodily harm or GBH, liquid ecstasy, liquid E, liquid X, salty water, Georgia Home Boy, soap, scoop, cherry meth and blue nitro.

What does it look like?

GHB commonly comes as a colourless, odourless, bitter or salty tasting liquid, usually sold in small bottles or vials. It also comes as a bright blue liquid (sometimes called “blue nitro”) and less commonly as a crystal powder.

How and why is it used?

GHB is generally swallowed, although a small number of people inject it.

Effects of GHB

Effects vary from person to person, and may be immediate or long-term effects. They will depend on the size, weight and health of the person taking GHB, whether they are used to taking the drug, whether other drugs are present in their body, and of course, the amount taken.

Immediate effects

The effects of GHB may start to be felt within 15–20 minutes and last for approximately 3 to 4 hours. Some of the effects that may be experienced after taking GHB include:

Long-term effects

At this stage, little is known about the long-term effects of GHB use, but we do know that it can be highly addictive.

Is HBA1C a reliable measure of hyperglycemia?

HbA1c not only provides a reliable measure of chronic hyperglycemia but also correlates well with the risk of long-term diabetes complications. Elevated HbA1c has also been regarded as an independent risk factor for coronary heart disease and stroke in subjects with or without diabetes.

Is diabetes a global endemic?

Diabetes is a global endemic with rapidly increasing prevalence in both developing and developed countries. The American Diabetes Association has recommended glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) as a possible substitute to fasting blood glucose for diagnosis of diabetes. HbA1c is an important indicator of lo ….

Is glycated hemoglobin a good substitute for fasting blood glucose?

The American Diabetes Association has recommended glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) as a possible substitute to fasting blood glucose for diagnosis of diabetes. HbA1c is an important indicator of long-term glycemic control with the ability to reflect the cumulative glycemic history of the preceding two to three months.

How often should I get tested for diabetes?

You’ll probably get tested once a year if you have prediabetes, which means you have a strong chance of developing diabetes. You may get tested twice each year if you have type 2 diabetes, you don't use insulin, and your blood sugar level is usually in your target range.

What is the A1C level for diabetics?

Setting Goals for A1c Levels. The target A1c level for people with diabetes is usually less than 7%. The higher the hemoglobin A1c, the higher your risk of having complications related to diabetes. Someone who has had untreated diabetes for a long time might have a level above 8%.

What are the factors that affect hemoglobin A1C?

Other things that can affect the results of the hemoglobin A1c include supplements, such as vitamins C and E, and high cholesterol levels. Kidney disease and liver disease may also affect the test. Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest Email Print. Pagination. 1.

How does the A1C test work?

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 3 months, so the test shows the average level of glucose in your blood for the past 3 months.

Why do people need A1C?

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.

What is the A1C test?

What Is an A1c Test? The hemoglobin A1c test tells you your average level of blood sugar over the past 2 to 3 months. It's also called HbA1c, glycated hemoglobin test, and glycohemoglobin. It’s a lot like a baseball player's season batting average.

What is the blood sugar level of a diabetic?

Regardless of when you last ate, a blood sugar level of 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) — 11.1 millimoles per liter (mmol/L) — or higher suggests diabetes. Fasting blood sugar test. A blood sample will be taken after an overnight fast.

What blood test is used to determine blood sugar levels?

Tests for type 1 and type 2 diabetes and prediabetes. Glycated hemoglobin (A1C) test. This blood test, which doesn't require fasting, indicates your average blood sugar level for the past two to three months. It measures the percentage of blood sugar attached to hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells.

What are the best ways to treat diabetes?

Treatment. Depending on what type of diabetes you have, blood sugar monitoring, insulin and oral medications may play a role in your treatment. Eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight and participating in regular activity also are important factors in managing diabetes.

How to treat type 1 diabetes?

Treatment for type 1 diabetes involves insulin injections or the use of an insulin pump, frequent blood sugar checks, and carbohydrate counting. Treatment of type 2 diabetes primarily involves lifestyle changes, monitoring of your blood sugar, along with diabetes medications, insulin or both.

How to do a glucose challenge?

You'll begin the glucose challenge test by drinking a syrupy glucose solution. One hour later, you'll have a blood test to measure your blood sugar level. A blood sugar level below 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L) is usually considered normal on a glucose challenge test, although this may vary at specific clinics or labs.

How does exercise affect blood sugar?

Exercise lowers your blood sugar level by moving sugar into your cells, where it's used for energy. Exercise also increases your sensitivity to insulin, which means your body needs less insulin to transport sugar to your cells .

How to control blood sugar in a newborn?

In addition to maintaining a healthy diet and exercising, your treatment plan may include monitoring your blood sugar and, in some cases, using insulin or oral medications .

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What Is GHB

  • GHB (gamma hydroxybutyrate) is a depressant drug. Depressant drugs do not necessarily make a person feel depressed. They slow down the activity of the central nervous system and the messages going between the brain and the body. Other depressants include alcohol, benzodiazepines, cannabis and heroin. GHB occurs naturally in the brain, but it was fi...
See more on mydr.com.au

Other Names

  • G, fantasy, grievous bodily harm or GBH, liquid ecstasy, liquid E, liquid X, salty water, Georgia Home Boy, soap, scoop, cherry meth and blue nitro.
See more on mydr.com.au

What Does It Look like?

  • GHB commonly comes as a colourless, odourless, bitter or salty tasting liquid, usually sold in small bottles or vials. It also comes as a bright blue liquid (sometimes called “blue nitro”) and less commonly as a crystal powder.
See more on mydr.com.au

How and Why Is It used?

  • GHB is generally swallowed, although a small number of people inject it. In the 1980s GHB was marketed as a dietary supplement for body builders. GHB has also been used as a treatment for the sleep disorder narcolepsy and in the treatment of alcohol dependence. GHB has been used to facilitate sexual assault. It can easily be slipped into a drink without the victim’s knowledge, and …
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Effects of GHB

  • Effects vary from person to person, and may be immediate or long-term effects. They will depend on the size, weight and health of the person taking GHB, whether they are used to taking the drug, whether other drugs are present in their body, and of course, the amount taken. It can be very hard to judge the amount taken, as the quality and strength of drugs can vary greatly from one batch t…
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Immediate Effects

  • The effects of GHB may start to be felt within 15–20 minutes and last for approximately 3 to 4 hours. Some of the effects that may be experienced after taking GHB include:
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Long-Term Effects

  • At this stage, little is known about the long-term effects of GHB use, but we do know that it can be highly addictive. People who use GHB regularly can develop dependence and tolerance to it, which means they need to take larger amounts of GHB to get the same effect.
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Other Effects of GHB Use

  • Taking GHB with other drugs
    If GHB is taken with other depressant drugs (such as alcohol or benzodiazepines), the chance of overdose is increased. If GHB is taken with stimulant drugs (such as amphetamines or ecstasy), the body will be put under a lot of stress as it tries to deal with the competing effects. Using GH…
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding
    Read about the effects of drugs on pregnancy and breastfeeding.
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Tolerance and Dependence

  • There is evidence that after prolonged use, GHB is highly addictive. People who use GHB regularly can develop dependence and tolerance to it, which means they need to take larger amounts of GHB to get the same effect. Dependence on GHB can be psychological, physical, or both. People who are dependent on GHB find that using the drug becomes far more important than other acti…
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Withdrawal and Treatment

  • Getting help: Treatment
    In Australia, there are many different types of treatments for drug problems. Some aim to help a person to stop using a drug, while others aim to reduce the risks and harm related to their drug use. Find out more about treatment. What to do if you are concerned about someone’s drug use …
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