Medical Titbit: Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c)- A test for DM

Besides Random blood sugar (RBS), fasting blood sugar (FBS), and Post-Prandial blood sugar (PPBS), we have another reliable test to diagnose DM. The first three tests provide a snapshot of blood sugar levels at that particular time. On the other hand, HbA1c indicates the average sugar level over the previous three months!

Hemoglobin is a protein in the red blood cells (RBCs), and its primary role is to bind with oxygen and carry it. But it also binds to glucose in both diabetic and non-diabetic individuals. Hence, the value of this glycated hemoglobin gives us an indication of blood sugar levels over a long period.

The normal range of HbA1c is <5.7% (According to some expert bodies, it is <6%). If the level reaches 6.5% or above, it is considered diabetes. If a person's value of HbA1c is between 5.7% to 6.4%, he/she is considered pre-diabetic!

Learn more about it from this Harvard Health article