Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c)

General information: 

Red blood cells contain a protein called hemoglobin.
The function of this molecule is to transport gases like oxygen and carbon dioxide into the blood. Similar to these substances, glucose can be attached to the hemoglobin molecule. The difference is that once glucose is attached, it stays there until the red cell dies (their life is about three months). With increasing blood glucose levels, more glucose is attached to hemoglobin molecules. The HbA1c test measures how much glucose is attached and thus provides an indication of the average glucose level over the past 12 weeks.

Sample required:

Venous blood in the morning in fasting

Keywords:

Glycated, Hemoglobin, HbA1c, Red Blood Cells, Protein, Blood Sugar