is hemoglobin and a1c the same

No, hemoglobin and A1C are not the same, but they are related.

• Hemoglobin: This is a protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body.
• A1C (Hemoglobin A1C or HbA1c): This is a specific form of hemoglobin that has glucose attached to it. The A1C test measures the percentage of your red blood cells that have sugar-coated hemoglobin, providing an average blood sugar level over the past 2-3 months.

In summary, while hemoglobin is a general protein, A1C refers to hemoglobin that has been glycated (bound to glucose), and it is used as a diagnostic tool for diabetes and prediabetes.