HbA1C (AND ASSESSMENT OF BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS) The molecule - haemoglobin - in red blood cells carries oxygen around the body. Glucose can also bind to haemoglobin and will stick to a red blood cell for its lifetime, which is about 120 genetic-research-at-the-laboratorydays. Measurement of haemoglobin that has glucose attached – a subtype called Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) - can give an indication of the levels that blood glucose was at over about the previous three months. For this reason measurement of HbA1c in blood samples in a laboratory is very useful in monitoring high blood sugar levels over a previous period eg approximately 3 months. See Glycated Haemoglobin in Patient.Co.UK For some patients testing a blood sample for HbA1C alone, a number of times a year may be sufficient for a General Medical Practitioner or Diabetes Specialist to develop a control plan suitable for that individual. See W.H.O. Report on the use of HbA1C in the Diagnosis of Diabetes Mellitus. As a generality, using blood sugar levels obtained by self monitoring to indicate the success or otherwise of a treatment regime, will help some diabetics when the information is combined with that obtained from periodic assessment of HbA1c levels. The results of such monitoring and desired frequency of such testing should be discussed with a General Medical Practitioner and or Diabetes Specialist as it may need to be modified in some individuals due to incidental illness, strenuous exercise, pregnancy etc
Posted on: Mon, 25 Aug 2014 04:20:18 +0000
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