Diabetes Type 2 Library
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Glycohemoglobin (HbA1c, A1c)
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What To Think About
- If you have diabetes, your doctor may recommend that you have a glycohemoglobin test every 3 to 6 months, depending on your type of diabetes and how well it is controlled.
- The glycohemoglobin test does not replace the need for other regular blood glucose tests, including checking your blood sugar at home and a regular blood glucose test. For more information, see the topics Home Blood Glucose Test and Blood Glucose.
- Many people with diabetes have high blood sugars at times when they would not be checking their blood sugar, such as after meals or during the night. Glycohemoglobin A1c may show these periods of high blood sugar that would not be found by a home blood glucose test.
- Some people who develop diabetes have normal glycohemoglobin tests early in the course of their disease.
- Glycohemoglobin levels can be normal in some people who have untreated diabetes and certain medical conditions, such as sickle cell anemia, hemolytic anemia, severe kidney disease, or pregnancy.
- If you have diabetes, having a high glycohemoglobin level increases your chances of having other problems. Lowering your glycohemoglobin levels can help delay or prevent problems, such as serious nerve, kidney, and eye damage.
- Glycohemoglobin levels are not useful for finding low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
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March 7, 2011© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
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