When red blood cell (RBC) hemoglobin is exposed to high blood glucose levels, it

Question

When red blood cell (RBC) hemoglobin is exposed to high blood glucose levels, it becomes glycated. The hemoglobin A1c test measures the percentage of glycated red blood cells in whole blood as an indicator of blood glucose levels over the 90-day lifespan of an RBC. Hemoglobin A1c levels between 4% and 5.9% are considered normal. A1c levels are well correlated with average blood glucose levels. An A1c level of 6% (minimal for a diagnosis of diabetes) is equivalent to an average blood glucose level of 135 mg/dL, whereas an A1c level of 9% (uncontrolled diabetes) indicates an average blood glucose of 240 mg/dL.

Why would this test be a more accurate representation of a person’s diabetes than would testing blood sugar once per day?

Explanation / Answer

HGBA1C is a form of haemoglobin that is used to identify the the average plasma concentration of 3months.The reason it is limited for 3months is that the lifespan of RBC is 120days.HGBA1C is more accurate as it indicates long term measurement

Normal level of glucose produces normal amount of glycated haemoglobin.So therefore as the plasma glucose increases,glycated haemoglobin increases in a predictable manner.

In diabetes mellitus, higher amount of glycated haemoglobin,indicates poor control of blood glucose.

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