Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)

Authors

Affiliations

Nate Yomogida, B.S., SPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.S. in Kinesiology

Chloë Kerstein, B.S., SPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.A. in Neuroscience

AKA

hemoglobin A1c (glycated hemoglobin, glycosylated hemoglobin, HbA1c, or A1c) test

• Measure of glucose control for previous 2-3 months
• Goal for DM 6-7%
• Higher number=worse control

Blood test

hemoglobin A1c (glycated hemoglobin, glycosylated hemoglobin, HbA1c, or A1c) test

Factors that increase HbA1c

When the RBC turnover is slow, the red blood cells spend more time in the bloodstream which causes

Factors that decrease HbA1c

Individuals with a high/fast RBC turnover rate will have an artifically low HbA1c. Individuals who have high hemolysis, usually due to oxidation, replace their red blood cells faster than individuals with a normal hemolysis rate.