Determination of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in diabetes mellitus

Significance of glycosylated hemoglobin determination

Glycosylated hemoglobin, also called hemoglobin A1c or HbA1c or glycohemoglobin, is an important blood measure used to determine how well your diabetes is controlled. Hemoglobin A1c shows the average blood sugar level over a period of 12 weeks, and it is measured in conjunction with home blood sugar monitoring to ensure that your anti-diabetic medication is correct for you.

Hemoglobin is a substance that is found inside red blood cells and carries oxygen throughout the body. When diabetes is uncontrolled (i.e. when your blood sugar levels are high), sugar builds up in the blood and binds to hemoglobin, making it glycosylated. Therefore, the average amount of sugar in your blood can be determined by measuring your glycosylated hemoglobin level. If your blood glucose levels have been high over the last few weeks, your hemoglobin A1c levels will also be elevated. The glycosylated hemoglobin number will reflect your blood sugar levels over the past few weeks, usually covering a period of 120 days.

What is a normal glycosylated hemoglobin test?

In people without diabetes, normal glycosylated hemoglobin levels range from 4% to 6%. Since studies have repeatedly shown that uncontrolled diabetes leads to the development of complications, the target hemoglobin A1c level for people with diabetes is 7%. The higher the level, the higher the risk of developing diabetes-related complications.

People with diabetes should have this test every three months to determine if their sugar levels have reached the target level of control. Those with well-controlled diabetes can take longer breaks between blood tests, but experts recommend checking this test at least twice a year.

Patients with conditions that affect hemoglobin, such as anaemia, may get abnormal results from this test. Glycosylated hemoglobin levels can also be affected by kidney and liver disease.

Glycosylated hemoglobin tests can be performed in any treatment room of OLYMP branches of laboratories.