what is glycosylated hemoglobin
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Community Answer
Answered by Dr. Emily Carter, MD
Glycosylated hemoglobin, also known as HbA1c or A1C, is a form of hemoglobin that is chemically linked to glucose. It is used as a key indicator of long-term blood sugar control in individuals with diabetes. Here’s what you need to know:
- What it measures: The A1C test measures the percentage of hemoglobin in your blood that has glucose attached to it. This reflects your average blood sugar levels over the past 2–3 months.
- Why it’s important: It helps diagnose prediabetes and diabetes and monitors how well your diabetes is being managed.
- Normal ranges:
- Normal: Below 5.7%
- Prediabetes: 5.7% to 6.4%
- Diabetes: 6.5% or higher
For people with diabetes, maintaining an A1C level below 7% is generally recommended to reduce the risk of complications.