HbA1c, also known as glycated hemoglobin, is a laboratory test that measures the average blood glucose (sugar) level in a person with diabetes over the past 2-3 months.

When glucose in the blood binds with hemoglobin, which is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen, it forms glycated hemoglobin or HbA1c. The higher the blood glucose levels, the more glycated hemoglobin will be formed.

For people with diabetes, measuring HbA1c is a valuable tool in managing their condition because it provides a longer-term picture of their blood glucose levels compared to a single glucose test. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends that people with diabetes aim for an HbA1c level of less than 7%, although individual targets may vary based on factors such as age, duration of diabetes, and other health conditions.

Regular monitoring of HbA1c levels can help people with diabetes and their healthcare providers make adjustments to their treatment plan to keep blood glucose levels within a healthy range and reduce the risk of complications associated with high blood sugar, such as nerve damage, kidney disease, and heart disease.