Hemaglobin A1-C in Diabetes Regulation
Hemoglobin A1c is a blood test method to monitor control of blood sugar in diabetes. It is not a stand-alone screening. It is formed in a non-enzymatic pathway by hemoglobin’s normal exposure to high plasma levels of glucose.
In the normal 120-day life span of the red blood cell, glucose molecules join hemoglobin, forming glycated hemoglobin. Once a hemoglobin molecule is glycated, it remains that way. Poorly controlled diabetes will reflect in increases in the quantities of these glycated hemoglobins. A measurement reflects the lifetime buildup within the lifespan of the cell. This test is used to monitor effectiveness of therapy by evaluating long-term serum glucose regulation. The HbA1c level is proportional to average blood glucose concentration over the previous four weeks to three months but some researchers believe that the major proportion of its value is related to a rather short term period of two to four weeks. This test is used to find hidden diabetes.
When monitoring diabetes, regular testing is necessary. You should keep a blood glucose diary for your doctor’s review and not depend on HbA1c alone. Diabetes is a chronic illness for which there is no cure and requires the task of damage control. If left unstable, it can lead to blindness, heart attack, congestive heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, and amputation.
When we eat, our body uses the food we eat to create blood sugar. In healthy people, a hormone called insulin, which is made in the pancreas, allows the glucose to enter the body’s cells to be used for energy.
Some people either produce too little insulin or their body doesn’t respond to it properly. The result of too high a level of glucose in their blood leads to diabetes. Some people are insulin resistant. The good news is if glucose is kept under good control, one can delay or even prevent serious health problems.
Diabetes can sometimes have obvious signs, but often people with diabetes do not notice any symptoms until it has caused serious problems. This is why screening for diabetes and maintaining a healthy, stable glucose level is important to your health.
For additional information on diabetes, including the various types of diabetes, risk factors, prevention and treatment, please visit the American Diabetes Association website: www.diabetes.org
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