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HbA1c

The resulting reading from this blood test is the averages of blood sugars over a given period. I believe that the max. is 3 months.
 
Yes, it is a measure taken from the blood haemoglobin and shows average sugars over the last 3 months weighted towards the last month. It used to be measured in % but a year or so ago the system changed to mmol. There is a conversion tool between these on the Home page of this website under Toolbox. If you go to the NICE Diabetes website (Google it) and look for the Diabetes Pathways document it will show the HBa1C limits we should stay within and the appropriate treatment; insulin of course for T1 or Late onset T1. An HBa1C blood test is taken at least once a year and often twice for T1s to check overall blood sugar control. This website Home page and the www.diabetes.org.uk website also has some info on HBa1C.
 
Hb is shorthand for haemoglobin. A1c is one type of it. Together it means the level of glucose attached to that haemoglobin in the blood. That total is proportional to he amount of circulating glucose. The reason it works over 3 months is that the erythrocytes, where haeemoglobin is found, have a life of about 3 months.
Hana
 
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