WHAT IS HBA1C?
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The HbA1c value should be familiar to all diabetics. But most people don't know what it means exactly.
Hb = hemoglobin (dye in red blood cells)
A1c = protein chain that can bind glucose
HbA1c = glycated hemoglobin / hemoglobin bound to glucose
The value therefore provides information about the percentage of hemoglobin that has bound to or with glucose. The higher the value, the more sugar is available in the blood for binding, the higher the average long-term sugar.
Hemoglobin is renewed every 8-12 weeks. That is why the term "3-monthly sugar" is often used in this context.
A value of less than 7.0% is usually given as the target. The WHO now even recommends a target value of 6.5%.
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HbA1c levels
Normal: < 42 mmol/mol or < 6.0%
Prediabetes: 42-47 mmol/mol or 6.0 – 6.4%
Diabetes: > 48 mmol/mol or > 6.4%
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credentials
Diabetes.co.uk. 2019. Guide to HbA1c. Accessed 3 March 2021. https://www.diabetes.co.uk/what-is-hba1c.html
World Health Organization (WHO). 2011. Use of Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) in the Diagnosis of Diabetes Mellitus: Abbreviated Report of a WHO Consultation. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) for the diagnosis of diabetes. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK304271/