Jargon interpretation please!

[DeafDiabetic]

I'm sure you all know this but as a newcomer to the Diabetic World can anybody tell me what the letters and number means in "HBA1C"?

I'm having my first one in early November. Is it just a blood test without the need to fast?

Thanks in advance

DD (with a huge "L" plate....)

 

[Lemonie]

I think it is as follows:

Glucose sticks to the haemoglobin to make a 'glycosylated haemoglobin' molecule, called
haemoglobin A1C or HbA1C.

They test to see how much of this molecule is in your blood and gives them an idea of what glucose has been in your blood for about the previous 6 weeks. I think that is right but I'm sure somebody will be along with an easier explanation than a newbie like me.

 

[Bigglesworth]

Go to:

http://medweb.bham.ac.uk/easdec/prevent ... _hba1c.htm