Understanding The Hemoglobin A1c Test

Since blood glucose levels can fluctuate widely, even frequent home glucose testing may not accurately reflect the degree of success in controlling blood sugar. The hemoglobin A1c test is a valuable measure of the overall effectiveness of blood glucose over a period of time.

What is a hemoglobin A1c?

To explain what an A1c is, think in simple terms. Sugar sticks and when it's around for a long time it's harder to get it off. In the body, sugar sticks, too, particularly to proteins. The red blood cells that circulate in the body live for about 3 months. When sugar sticks to these cells, it gives us the idea of how much sugar is around for the preceding 3 months.

In poorly controlled diabetes, its 8.0% or above, in well controlled patients it's less than 7.0%. The benefits of measuring A1c is that it gives a more reasonable view of what's happening over the course of time (3 months) and the value does not fluctuate as much as finger stick sugar measurements.