Specializing in personalized, at-home nutritional status tests for consumers, OmegaQuant launched an at-home HbA1c test in May, rounding out a portfolio built since its founding in 2009 that includes finger-stick tests for the omega-3 index, vitamin D, vitamin B12, and prenatal DHA.

As opposed to a fasting glucose test, the HbA1c test captures a user’s blood sugar status over a period of three months, offering a window into dietary intake over time. Unlike HbA1c testing that requires a blood draw, the finger stick method provides a more accessible route for health-minded individuals to determine their blood sugar levels at their own convenience.

Following shipment of samples to OmegaQuant, results are provided to consumers with additional information on the optimal range of HbA1C (4.5-5.7%), along with concentrations indicative of prediabetes and diabetes.

Blood Sugar Monitoring

Kelly Patterson, MS, RD, LDN, CSSD, clinical nutrition educator at OmegaQuant, spoke about the wave of tech-enabled health testing, and the role it will play in the preventive nutrition movement among everyday consumers.

Especially in the case of diabetes, which is a leading cause of death worldwide, people experiencing the warning signs of elevated blood sugar levels often don’t realize it until their symptoms progress into disease. Making personal, convenient tests available to consumers who are still healthy can serve as a critical preventive measure, as experts predict a continuous and steep rise in diabetes cases globally. Early detection is the most reliable means of avoiding health consequences.

“Diabetes describes a group of metabolic diseases which cause high blood sugar levels,” Patterson said. “In recent years, diabetes has become one of the leading causes of death worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, around 1.5 million people worldwide died due to diabetes in 2019 and it is estimated that 463 million people are living with diabetes all over the world. By 2045, projections show this number rising to some 700 million diabetics globally. Currently, the global healthcare expenditure to treat diabetes is $966 billion.”

Oftentimes people don’t realize their sugar is so high until it’s too late and they’ve moved into a state of prediabetes or diabetes, Patterson continued. “This is because the symptoms are so mild in the beginning that people only find out once long periods of high blood sugar have caused long-term damage.”

Severe symptoms of high blood sugar include vomiting, excessive hunger and thirst, rapid heartbeat, vision problems, and other issues. More mild symptoms include increased thirst, increased urination, weight loss, fatigue, and increased appetite.

The Role of Testing

OmegaQuant’s new test, like its other products, is not intended to serve as a medical device. Rather, this product is for people who don’t have clear medical issues like prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, but still want a non-prescription means of keeping tabs on various, objective indicators of health.

“This scenario is probably the most spot-on for a test like our HbA1c test—i.e., healthy, active individuals who are already monitoring or testing their levels of a variety of biomarkers and/or nutrients,” said Patterson. “Their goal is to use these tests to guide any lifestyle and/or dietary modifications. Self-testing empowers people to do these tests on their own, without the hassle of seeing a doctor or getting a prescription for blood work. In fact, many doctors encourage patients to do this type of testing on their own and share their results. It lightens the patient load and takes the logistical responsibility off the doctor. For a test like HbA1c, this is a win-win for doctors and patients.”

In recent years, experts have noted the importance of dietary intake as a means of disease prevention, and metabolism is recognized for its impact on a range of health issues. The popularity of testing blood sugar could drive awareness about the effects of a diet’s glycemic index, and the relevance it has to overall metabolism.

“Generally, I don’t think most people are aware of the glycemic impact of foods,” said Patterson. “I think they only become more aware of this once they have a borderline or formal diagnosis of prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. However, those who are highly attuned to nutrition and fitness likely understand the connection between the glycemic index and food.”

Keeping Them Honest and Motivated

There is no one-size-fits-all solution for managing blood sugar levels, Patterson added. “The only way to determine if and how to approach blood sugar management is to test regularly. For healthy individuals that means testing at least two to three times per year until their blood level is in an optimal range. Once a healthy level has been established, testing once per year is often enough.”

Testing is the only true means of determining whether one’s blood sugar is optimal, and for those who make it a habit to track their nutritional statuses, an HbA1c test should fit into that program, according to Patterson.

“The purpose of this test is to get people into the habit of establishing a baseline level and then making adjustments from there. Studies routinely show that testing helps motivate people to change and incorporate more healthy behaviors. We believe an HbA1c test should be among those tests—like vitamin D and omega-3—that you take a few times per year to see where you are and what adjustments need to be made. Regular testing keeps people honest and motivated.”