Is hemoglobin and hemoglobin A1C the same?
Asked by: CuriousPatient123
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Community Answer
Answered by Dr. Emily Carter, MD
No, hemoglobin and hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) are not the same. Here's the difference:
- Hemoglobin: A protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.
- Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c): A form of hemoglobin that is chemically linked to glucose. It reflects your average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months and is used to diagnose and monitor diabetes.
While hemoglobin is essential for oxygen transport, HbA1c is specifically used to measure long-term blood sugar control.