The hemoglobin A1c test or more simply the A1c test is a test that is familiar to most diabetics. Many diabetics know that the A1c test is used as a marker for their blood sugar levels, but very few understand how the test works or how the results are calculated and interpreted.
Glucose (sugar) in the bloodstream binds with hemoglobin found in the red blood cells. As blood sugar levels rise in the body, more and more sugar attaches itself to the hemoglobin in the red blood cells. Sugar can remain attached to the hemoglobin for long periods of time. When you have regular blood tests done, the A1c test is able to establish the amount of sugar attached to the hemoglobin. This in turn is interpreted as your blood sugar level.
Many doctors set
Glucose (sugar) in the bloodstream binds with hemoglobin found in the red blood cells. As blood sugar levels rise in the body, more and more sugar attaches itself to the hemoglobin in the red blood cells. Sugar can remain attached to the hemoglobin for long periods of time. When you have regular blood tests done, the A1c test is able to establish the amount of sugar attached to the hemoglobin. This in turn is interpreted as your blood sugar level.
Many doctors set