A survey published in the Annals of Internal Medicine in the year 2002 estimated only 30 Blood Balance Formula percent of people with diabetes had a hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) test during the previous year. This is a crucial test which should be given to all people with diabetes at least twice a year.Are you a diabetic? Does your doctor advise you to have your hemoglobin A1c taken every three months? Are you wondering why you still need to have your hemoglobin A1c examined when you already check your blood sugar level regularly? What is Hemoglobin A1c? What is the importance of having this laboratory test?
The hemoglobin A1c is the stable glucose portion on the beta-chain of the hemoglobin the oxygen transporters of red blood cells. It is formed by an irreversible reaction when red blood cells become exposed to glucose. And because it is irreversible no diabetic can ever alter or manipulate the results of his or her hemoglobin A1c. Therefore it is the single best test to monitor a diabetic's overall blood sugar control for the past three months.
Hemoglobin A1c values are a strong indicator for the development of long-term complications of Type 2 diabetes. In fact the risk for diabetic retinopathy neuropathy and diabetic nephropathy can be easily projected by just looking at the previous HbA1c results. Cardiovascular disease another complication of diabetes is also another risk seen with the rising values of HbA1c through smoking hypertension and increased blood lipid levels can also trigger its development.