Hemoglobin A1c, often referred to as HbA1c, is a form of hemoglobin that is chemically linked to sugar. This linkage occurs when glucose in the bloodstream attaches to hemoglobin, the protein within red blood cells that carries oxygen. Because red blood cells live for approximately three months, the HbA1c level provides an average measure of blood glucose concentration over the preceding two to three months. This measurement is a valuable indicator for understanding long-term glycemic control.
HbA1c
Average blood sugar over the last 3 months.