HbA1c, often pronounced as "H-B-Ay-one-see", stands for glycated hemoglobin A1c. It is a form of hemoglobin (a protein found in red blood cells) that is chemically linked to a sugar. Specifically, HbA1c results from the non-enzymatic attachment of glucose to the hemoglobin molecule.
Here's why HbA1c is important, especially in the context of diabetes:
Reflection of Long-Term Glucose Control: HbA1c provides an average of your blood sugar levels over the past 2 to 3 months. Unlike daily blood glucose measurements, which can fluctuate significantly from day to day, HbA1c gives a more stable and comprehensive view of glucose control.
Diabetes Diagnosis and Monitoring: It is used both as a diagnostic tool and a monitoring tool for diabetes. An HbA1c level of 6.5% or higher on two separate occasions indicates diabetes. Pre-diabetes, which is a condition that precedes diabetes, is diagnosed when HbA1c values are between 5.7% and 6.4%. Once diagnosed, patients with diabetes often aim to keep their HbA1c below certain target levels (often <7%, but the exact target can vary based on individual considerations) to reduce the risk of complications.
Risk of Complications: Research has shown that the higher the HbA1c, the greater the risk of developing diabetes-related complications, such as nerve damage, kidney disease, and eye problems.
The advantage of the HbA1c test is that it doesn't require fasting, and it gives a picture of the average blood sugar level over a period of months, which can be useful to gauge how well blood sugar is being managed over time. However, it's also essential to use daily blood glucose monitoring (for those on insulin or needing tighter control) to make real-time decisions about medication, food, and activity.