Glycosylated Hemoglobin Test Glycosylated hemoglobin test indicates the average plasma glucose concentration over two (2) to three (3) months. The word “glycosylated” denotes the attachment of a blood glucose molecule to hemoglobin. It is abbreviated as HbA1c. Normally, the result ranges from 4% - 8%. In people with poorly controlled serum glucose levels (diabetes), the levels are markedly elevated. Red blood cells (RBCs) contain an iron bearing protein called hemoglobin. Hemoglobin molecules contain amino acid chains and are responsible for the carrying and transportation of oxygen from the blood. When blood sugar rises, a glucose molecule would attach itself to hemoglobin inside an erythrocyte, the hemoglobin is now called glycosylated or glycated hemoglobin (glycohemoglobin). Once hemoglobin is glycosylated (glucose attaching to hemoglobin) it remains that way for the entire life span of a red blood cell. Since the life cycle of an erythrocyte is 120 days, the ...
Posted on: Sun, 13 Apr 2014 13:23:28 +0000
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