Through the examination of glycohemoglobin, it is possible to have a diagnosis for type 1 and type 2 diabetes; on the other hand, this blood test allows one to know the average blood sugar level of the last two or three months in patients already identified with this disease or in those who are at risk of suffering from it.
What is glycohemoglobin?
Glycohemoglobin, also known as HbA1c hemoglobin, is a test that indicates your average blood sugar level over the past two to three months, measuring the hemoglobin percentage, a protein in charge of transporting oxygen in red blood cells which is coated with sugar.
How is a glycohemoglobin test performed?
To perform the glycohemoglobin test, it is necessary to take a venous blood sample. Its frequency will depend on the type of diabetes you have and the doctor’s instructions. Although it is recommended:
- Once a year in prediabetes.
- Twice a year for type 2 diabetes without the use of insulin.
- 4 times a year for type 1 diabetes.
- 4 times a year for type 2 diabetes with the use of insulin.
Glycohemoglobin levels
The higher the blood sugar level, the higher the HbA1c percentage value will be and therefore less control of the blood sugar level, resulting in a risk of diabetes complications.
Normally the results in the glycohemoglobin tests correspond to the following levels:
Glycohemoglobin values → average blood sugar level
mg/dL = milligram per deciliter
mmol/L = millimole per liter
- 6% → 126 mg/dL (7 mmol/L)
- 7% → 154 mg/dL (8,6 mmol/L)
- 8% → 183 mg/dL (10,2 mmol/L)
- 9% → 212 mg/dL (11,8 mmol/L)
- 10% → 240 mg/dL (13,4 mmol/L)
- 11% → 269 mg/dL (14,9 mmol/L)
- 12% → 298 mg/dL (16,5 mmol/L)
By being able to identify this information, the results will offer an overview of the average daily blood glucose in the last three months, with the benefit of stratifying the risk of diabetes complications.
If you want to have a glycohemoglobin test, at the ABC Medical Center’s Diabetes Clinic we can provide you with specialized care. Contact us! Diabetes Clinic
Fuente:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/es/tests-procedures/a1c-test/about/pac-20384643
https://www.ibcrosario.com.ar/articulos/diabetes-2020-pacientes.html
