Constant Thirst, Fatigue & Weight Loss? Time to Get an HbA1c Test
Experiencing unexplained constant thirst, persistent fatigue, or sudden weight loss? These could be crucial signs of high blood sugar. Learn why an HbA1c test is essential for early diagnosis and management.
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Last updated on 3rd Sep, 2025
Individuals who persistently feel thirsty, are unusually tired, or are losing weight without any changes to their diet or lifestyle may need to look beyond surface-level explanations. These symptoms can develop into red flags indicating a deeper health concern, such as uncontrolled blood sugar levels. However, one of the most reliable ways to detect and monitor this condition is through the HbA1c Test. If symptoms need HbA1c testing, such as unexplained weight loss or fatigue, this diabetes symptom test can provide critical insights into diabetes risk and management.
The HbA1c test, also known as the glycated haemoglobin test, offers a powerful tool that helps assess average blood sugar levels over the past 2–3 months. This comprehensive blog will help individuals, especially first-time testers, understand the key symptoms that require more attention, the importance of the HbA1c test in diagnosing ongoing glucose imbalances, and how to proceed swiftly with testing before matters become urgent.
Recognising Symptoms of Uncontrolled Sugar
The early signs of high blood sugar are often subtle, but these signs should never be ignored. Even if individuals haven’t been diagnosed with diabetes before, certain persistent symptoms of diabetes may point toward the growing need to get an HbA1c test done.
Below are a few of the top symptoms that may require serious attention:
- Frequent Urination (Polyuria): When glucose levels rise, the kidneys work harder to eliminate the excess. This may lead to repeated bathroom visits, especially at night.
- Constant Thirst (Polydipsia): Individuals may experience a persistent feeling of thirst, even after drinking sufficient amounts of water. This is considered a hallmark symptom of high blood glucose levels. It may occur when excess sugar draws fluid from the tissues, leaving the individual dehydrated.
- Sudden Weight Loss: Unexpected or sudden weight loss, even without any changes in diet or lifestyle, can be a cause for concern. This may occur when the body breaks down muscle and fat for energy instead of using sugar, often due to insulin-related dysfunction.
- Constant Fatigue: When cells can’t access the glucose they need for energy due to insulin resistance or deficiency, individuals may experience constant and unexpected fatigue, even after adequate rest or sleep.
- Slower Wound Healing: High blood pressure can impair circulation and immune function. This may lead to slower healing of cuts and wounds.
- Blurry Vision: Lenses in the eyes may swell due to excess glucose, which can affect vision.
The symptoms mentioned above may be more than just passing discomforts. These are a few of the symptoms that may need HbA1c testing. It is an essential diagnostic step, especially for first-time testers who are unsure whether their issues are hormonal, dietary, or diabetes-related.
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How HbA1c Identifies Ongoing Glucose Imbalance?
The HbA1c does more than test momentary glucose spikes; it provides a long-term perspective on sugar levels. Several individuals think that a simple fasting or post-meal glucose test may be sufficient, but these tests may only offer a snapshot. On the other hand, the HbA1c test provides individuals with an average blood glucose reading over 8–12 weeks. This may allow for more accurate diagnosis and monitoring.
Below are a few key reasons why HbA1c is invaluable:
- Helps in Measuring Glycated Haemoglobin: When glucose circulates in the body, it binds to haemoglobin in red blood cells. The HbA1c test helps measure the percentage of haemoglobin that is “glycated” or coated with sugar.
- Helps in Diagnosing Type 2 Diabetes or Pre-Diabetes: A consistent rise in HbA1c readings can indicate pre-diabetes (5.7-6.4%) or diabetes (6.5% or higher), even when individuals do not yet experience significant symptoms.
- Helps in Reflecting Overall Glucose Control: Unlike daily glucose readings, HbA1c remains unaffected by short-term fluctuations, and the results of it don’t depend on what one ate the last night. It reflects overall glucose control.
- Helps Guide Treatment Plans: If an individual is diagnosed, doctors may use their HbA1c level to determine the aggressiveness of the treatment, whether through medication, lifestyle changes, or a combination of both.
Individuals experiencing symptoms such as fatigue, excessive thirst, or weight loss can opt for an HbA1c test. It can help them gain more clarity that may be needed for them to act decisively.
When Should Individuals Get An HbA1c Test After Noticing Symptoms?
Individuals who have been noticing multiple symptoms consistently for more than one to two weeks can consult a doctor and book an HbA1c test without delay.
Below is a practical approach to deciding when to opt for the HbA1c test:
After Unexpected Weight Loss
Individuals who unintentionally lose more than 5% of their body weight in 2–3 months can schedule a test immediately, even if they are experiencing no other symptoms.
Immediately After Two or More Symptoms Persist
Individuals experiencing symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss, and constant thirst can opt for the test. These combinations often signal uncontrolled glucose levels.
In Case of a Family History
A genetic predisposition to diabetes can increase the risk. Hence, symptoms should be addressed faster in such individuals.
Post-Illness or Infection
Sometimes symptoms flare after a physical stressor or a viral infection. If symptoms are noticed soon after recovering from an illness, it may be crucial to investigate whether glucose control has been compromised.
The diabetes-symptom test via HbA1c is vital, particularly for first-time testers, who may not yet recognise these symptoms as potential signs of a chronic condition. Hence, early testing is not just proactive, but also life-saving.
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What a Dangerous HbA1c Level Looks Like?
It is crucial to understand the HbA1c range to take urgent action if needed. While the HbA1c result is expressed in a percentage, many individuals are unaware or unsure how to interpret it.
Below is a breakdown of what various levels of HbA1c would mean and when they become dangerous:
Normal Range
The normal range of HbA1c is below 5.7%. This indicates healthy blood glucose regulation. Although no immediate intervention is required, it is essential to continue monitoring if symptoms persist.
Pre-diabetes
The pre-diabetes range of HbA1c is 5.7% to 6.4%. This may be a warning sign that the blood sugar level is above normal. Without intervention, nearly 70% of people with pre-diabetes will eventually develop diabetes.
Diabetes
The diabetes range of HbA1c is 6.5% or higher. This may confirm the diagnosis and may require immediate lifestyle intervention and possibly medication.
Danger Zone
This occurs when the range exceeds 8.0%. It suggests poorly controlled diabetes and may increase the risk of nerve damage, kidney complications, eye disorders, and cardiovascular disease.
Critical Concern
This occurs when the range exceeds 10%. It may require urgent hospitalisation. It may indicate very poor glucose control that is often seen in cases of long, undiagnosed diabetes or patients who have stopped taking medication.
Individuals whose results are in the danger zone may not want to wait for complications to arise. It is thus essential for them to immediately start treatment and monitor their HbA1c every 3 months until the levels are stabilised.
Book Urgent HbA1c Testing at Apollo 24|7
The first step is timely testing, and Apollo 24|7 makes the process easy, affordable and reliable. After individuals recognise their symptoms may be linked to high blood sugar, the next most responsible step is testing. The platform offers convenient and accessible HbA1c testing both at-home and in-lab, ideal for first-time testers who prefer speed and comfort.
Here’s why Apollo 24|7 is one of the most trusted platforms to book tests:
- Safe, At-Home Collection: Individuals can easily book their tests via the Apollo 24|7 app or website and opt for home sample collection, eliminating the hassle of long queues and waiting.
- Digital Reports: Results are typically provided to patients within 24 hours, often within a shorter timeframe. This enables early diagnosis and expedited doctor consultations.
- Free Online Consultations: It also offers free online consultations with health advisors if the results are elevated.
- Certified Labs: Tests are conducted in NABL-accredited laboratories, ensuring the highest diagnostic accuracy.
- Comprehensive Reports: The platform provides a detailed interpretation of the HbA1c level, empowering individuals to understand the gravity of their results.
When symptoms demand clarity, delaying action can lead to more serious health concerns. Taking the vital step of booking a diabetes symptom test through trusted platforms like Apollo 24|7 is key.
Final Thoughts
Individuals may experience an unsettling feeling after recognising the signs of a possible glucose imbalance, such as fatigue, constant thirst, and sudden weight loss. However, these symptoms need HbA1c testing, not as a formality but as an essential health intervention. It offers people, especially first-time testers, direction, clarity, and peace of mind.
The HbA1c test provides individuals with a valuable long-term picture of their blood sugar health and can lead to life-saving changes when acted upon promptly. Book the HbA1c test today with Apollo 24|7 and take the first step forward toward lasting health.
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