5.3.11 Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) Glucose Testing in Surrogate Medical Screening

What is Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)?

Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is a blood test that measures average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. It helps determine how well the body regulates glucose and is commonly used to diagnose prediabetes and diabetes.

How Does It Work?

• When glucose (sugar) circulates in the blood, it attaches to hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells.
• The HbA1c test measures the percentage of hemoglobin that is glycated (bound to glucose).
• Higher percentages indicate higher average blood sugar levels over time.

HbA1c Interpretation:

HbA1c Level	Blood Sugar Status
Less than 5.7%	Normal
5.7% – 6.4%	Prediabetes
6.5% or higher	Diabetes

Why Is HbA1c Testing Important in Surrogacy?

During the medical screening process, surrogates undergo HbA1c and glucose testing to assess their ability to maintain healthy blood sugar levels during pregnancy. This is crucial because:

• Stable blood sugar reduces pregnancy risks.
• Prediabetes increases the likelihood of gestational diabetes (GDM).
• Diabetes can cause serious complications for both the surrogate and baby.

At GSHC Surrogacy & Egg Donation, ensuring surrogates meet strict medical criteria is a top priority. By prioritizing low-risk pregnancies, intended parents (IPs) and fertility clinics can feel confident in the health and safety of both the surrogate and the baby.

What If the HbA1c Level is Abnormal?

If the Surrogate’s HbA1c is in the Prediabetic Range (5.7% – 6.4%)

A prediabetic result does not always mean automatic disqualification. Instead, the clinic may:

1. Investigate the Cause

• The medical team will determine if the high level is due to diet, lifestyle, weight, or a medical condition (e.g., insulin resistance).
• Additional tests, such as a fasting glucose test or an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), may be ordered.

2. Recommend Lifestyle Changes

• The surrogate may be advised to:
• Improve her diet (reduce sugar intake, eat balanced meals).
• Exercise regularly to help lower blood sugar.
• Lose a few pounds if weight is a contributing factor.

3. Retest After Lifestyle Adjustments

• If the clinic believes the surrogate can improve her HbA1c, she may be placed on hold and retested in a few weeks or months.
• If her levels return to normal, she may be approved to continue the surrogacy process.

If the Surrogate’s HbA1c is 6.5% or Higher (Diabetes)

• Diabetes is typically a disqualifying factor due to the high risk of complications during pregnancy.
• The surrogate would likely not be approved unless there are exceptional circumstances and her condition is well-managed under medical supervision.

Surrogate Health Screening at GSHC Surrogacy & Egg Donation

At GSHC Surrogacy & Egg Donation, we have a rigorous medical screening process to ensure that every surrogate mother meets the necessary health criteria for a safe and successful surrogacy journey.

By carefully evaluating HbA1c levels and overall health, we help intended parents match with surrogates who are medically cleared and fully prepared for a healthy pregnancy.

For more information about surrogate screening, becoming a surrogate mother, or finding a surrogate, contact GSHC Surrogacy & Egg Donation today!