Are You Diabetic?

One of the most important measures a diabetic needs to know is their glycosylated hemoglobin, also known as HbA1c.It gives your doctor a better understanding of your long term sugar control.The hemoglobin A1c test is a simple lab test that shows the average amount of sugar in your blood over the last two to three months. It's the best way to find out if your blood sugar is under control. All people with type 2 diabetes should have a hemoglobin A1c test at least twice a year. If your treatment changes or if your blood sugar level stays too high, you should get a hemoglobin A1c test at least every three months until your blood sugar level improves. Regular testing will help you and your doctor to track your blood sugar levels over time and plan long-term treatment options to reach your target level of control.

Sugar in the bloodstream can become attached to the hemoglobin (the part of the cell that carries oxygen) in red blood cells. This process is called glycosylation.Once the sugar is attached, it stays there for the life of the red blood cell, which is about 120 days. The higher the level of blood sugar, the more sugar attaches to red blood cells. The hemoglobin A1c test measures the amount of sugar sticking to the hemoglobin in the red blood cells. Results are given in percentages.

Lowering the hemoglobin A1c number can delay or prevent the development of serious eye, kidney, and nerve disease in people with diabetes. The study also showed that lowering hemoglobin A1c levels by any amount improves a person's chances of staying healthy.