HBA1C
What is an HBA1C and Why is it Important to a Diabetic?
The Glycosylated Hemoglobin Test, also known as the HBA1C or the A1C is a test that measures a person’s average blood glucose level over the past 2 to 3 months. Hemoglobin is the substance inside red blood cells that carries oxygen to the cells of the body. Glucose (a type of sugar) molecules in the blood normally become stuck to hemoglobin molecules – this means the hemoglobin has become glycosylated. As a person’s blood sugar becomes higher, more of the person’s hemoglobin becomes glycosylated. The glucose remains attached to the hemoglobin for the life of the red blood cell, or about 2 to 3 months.
A blood test can measure the amount of glycosylated hemoglobin in the blood. The glycosylated hemoglobin test shows what a person’s average blood glucose level was for the 2 to 3 months before the test. This can help determine how well a person’s diabetes is being controlled over time. It is a very important test!
How is it translated? A non-diabetic has a blood sugar range between 70 – 100, and an A1C range of 4.2% to 6.0%. Normal range should be the goal of every diabetic because it will practically ensure a life void of diabetic complications related to diabetes. It is possible to lower your HbA1C and have normal blood sugar levels!
Normal A1c range 4.2 – 6.0% % (72-136) mg/dl
HbA1C Chart
| % | mg/dl |
|---|---|
| 4% | 65 mg/dl |
| 5% | 100 mg/dl |
| 6% | 135 mg/dl |
| 7% | 170 mg/dl |
| 8% | 205 mg/dl |
| 9% | 240 mg/dl |
| 10% | 275 mg/dl |
| 11% | 310 mg/dl |
| 12% | 345 mg/dl |