Glycemic Hemoglobin / Glycated Hemoglobin Test (Glycohemoglobin)

Glycemic / Glycated Hemoglobin Test is a test used to measure the average blood glucose level of past three months. Its a better way of measuring the blood glucose as instant blood glucose check may give inaccurate results depending on the consumption of food that you have eaten that day or a few hours ago.

What is Glycated Hemoglobin Test ?
RBC is a n important part of our blood. Average lifespan of our RBC is 4 months, Glycated Hemoglobin measures three-month average plasma glucose concentration by using these RBC. Normal blood glucose produces normal amount of glycated hemoglobin, but if the blood glucose is above normal then glycated hemoglobin increases in a predictable manner, Thus it serves as a better way to calculate blood glucose level in past 3 months.

As you can see in the image provided above that glucose molecules get attached to hemoglobin in the RBC and create Glycohemoglobin (HbA1c). If the amount of  Glycohemoglobin is above a certain range then it means that the person is either diabetic or prediabetic. The table below shows the normal and diabetic range of Glycohemoglobin.

If your test results are above the good range then its better to consult a doctor and get your blood glucose checked every month. Elevated levels of blood glucose for a longer period can result in various other diseases related to heart, kidney and eyes.