what is glycosylated hemoglobin

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.