A1C & You - About A1C
What is an A1C test?
The A1C test is also called glycated hemoglobin, HbA1c, or hemoglobin A1C. A1C provides an indication of average blood glucose control for the past 2-3 months. Hemoglobin is part of the red blood cells and binds to glucose. The A1C complex is formed when the glucose in the blood binds irreversibly (glycates) to hemoglobin. The higher the glucose level in the blood, the more that binds to the hemoglobin. Therefore, A1C values are proportional to the amount of glucose in the blood. The A1C result is in percentage (%) units in the United States or mmol/mol units in other countries. A1C reflects the amount of the hemoglobin that is glycated. Hemoglobin remains glycated for the lifespan of the red blood cell, about 90-120 days. Therefore, the A1C test reflects an average blood glucose control for the past 2-3 months.