Glycated Haemoglobin (HbA1C) is a measure of blood glucose control over the medium term of approximately 3 months (the life-span of an average red blood cell). Increased levels of blood sugar over a sustained period of time cause compounds related to sugar to be attached to the haemoglobin protein in red blood cells.
How the Test is Performed
Glycated Haemoglobin (HbA1C) is a blood test. A few millilitres of blood from a vein are required.
Medical Conditions and Symptoms
Glycated Haemoglobin (HbA1C) is a measure of blood glucose control in patients with diabetes. This test gives a relatively good idea of how strict blood sugar control has been over the three months prior to the test.
Test Results Explained
A high level of HbA1C suggests poor blood-sugar control over the previous weeks. A low HbA1C is a “pat on the back” for a diabetic patient because it reflects strict control over the previous weeks.
- General Practitioner (GP)
- General Physician
- Vascular Surgeon
- Blood Test (venesection)
- Lipid Profile (Cholesterol Test)
- Echocardiogram (Echo) (Ultrasound)
- Exercise Stress Test (EST)
- Dipyridamole-Thallium Scan (Dip-Thall)
- Glucose Tolerance Test
Also Known As
- Glycosylated Haemoglobin
- “3-month test”
* Hemoglobin – American spelling of Haemoglobin.