Clinical Importance Of Glycosylated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) In Diabetes Mellitus Patients

The HbA1c test (hemoglobin A1c, glycosylated hemoglobin A1c, glycohemoglobin A1c, or A1c test) is a lab test, which reveals average blood glucose over a period of two to three months. Specifically, it measures the number of glucose molecules attached to hemoglobin, a substance in red blood cells 1. People who do not have diabetes generally have an HbA1c level of less than 6 %. This means that less than 6 % of their hemoglobin molecules have glucose permanently attached 2. Based on the results of studies such as the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT), which showed that tight blood glucose control could reduce the risk of diabetic eye, kidney and nerve disease, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends that people with diabetes try to keep their HbA1c level below 7% 3.