What Is A Hemoglobin A1c Test?
Now the Hemoglobin A1c test, or ‘A1c’ as it’s commonly called, is another test that we use to monitor the level of glucose control in people with diabetes. What it measures is the amount of glucose that’s attached to the hemoglobin in the blood, and it gives us an indication of what the average blood sugar levels are during the previous two to three months. The normal range is 4 to 6 percent of the hemoglobin, and in our diabetic patients, our goal, on an individual basis, is to get people to as close to normal as possible. Now we’re generally happy if we can get the level to under 7 percent or even better, under 6 1/2 percent. And this really represents quite good control of diabetes.
This is a very useful blood test, done by the laboratory, to see how you have been doing overall with respect to the blood sugars. Hemoglobin is a protein that stays in the blood for about 90 days and is easily measured. The glucose in your blood can attach chemically to any proteins present, and stay attached permanently. The amount that attaches to the protein depends on how high the blood glucose is. For example, if glucose is high, more of it attaches to the protein; if glucose is low, very little attaches. The glucose stays attached until the hemoglobin molecule is broken down naturally by the body. The amount of hemoglobin with glucose attached to it is measured and compared with the total amount of hemoglobin present. This indicates how high the blood glucose has been, at some time in the life of the hemoglobin. For instance, if your glucose was high one month ago, then more glucose would have attached to the hemoglobin molecule at that time, and this could still be measured now
Hemoglobin A1c measures your blood sugar control over a 3 month period. Who should get this test? It is important for people with diabetes to have this test done once a year or more. Why are blood sugar levels important? Blood sugar levels show if your diabetes is controlled. Controlling your blood sugar makes you feel better. This can reduce your chances of going blind, losing feeling in your legs and getting amputations. It also reduces your chances of getting kidney disease, going on dialysis, and having a heart attack or stroke.
