What is the hba1c test?
The glycosylated hemoglobin, or HbA1C, test is a laboratory test that measures the average of the extra glucose in your blood over the past 2 to 3 months. An HbA1C reading is written as the percentage of your hemoglobin molecules that have glucose bound to them.BaselineAccording to Emedicine, people without diabetes typically produce enough insulin to maintain an HbA1C below 6 percent.SignificanceIf you have diabetes, you produce too little (or no) insulin or can’t effectively use insulin to move glucose into your body cells. Some of the excess glucose will bind to hemoglobin in your blood, and your HbA1C will rise.RecommendationsThe American Diabetes Association recommends an HbA1C below 7 percent for most adults with diabetes.ConsiderationsAccording to Emedicine, you can delay or prevent complications of diabetes by keeping your HbA1C below 7 percent.Expert InsightThe American Diabetes Association would like people to use a new term, the estimated average glucose (eAG), rather than t