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Glycosylated hemoglobin: normal values

by Alivia Nyhan
Published: Last Updated on

When glucose adheres to hemoglobin, a component of red blood cells, it is called the glycosylated hemoglobin dosage, also known as hemoglobin a1c, glycosylated, or HbA1. Because they stay that way when the red blood cell dies, it is widely used for control studies in people with diabetes.

Knowing the HbA1 value is ideal for verifying that glucose-related alterations are not suffered, which makes people susceptible to various complications at high levels. For this reason, for diabetics, it is recommended to carry out the test every three months and the daily control. If you want to know more about this, in the following FastlyHealarticle, you can find much information about glycosylated hemoglobin: average values.

What is glycated hemoglobin?

An essential component of red blood cells is hemoglobin. This hemoprotein contains iron, which is why it performs functions such as the uptake and transport of oxygen to the different tissues of our body. When the glucose circulating in the bloodstream adheres to the hemoglobinwe call it glycated hemoglobin. It remains so until the red blood cell is discarded, approximately a lifetime of 120 days.

Under normal conditions, the amount of glucose is not very much, so it only binds to a certain amount of these hemoproteins. However, in people with diabetes, there is an alteration that prevents the metabolism of glucose acquired through food, causing the said substance to be present at high levels and to adhere a more significant amount to hemoglobin. Because it stays that way for a long time, hemoglobin a1c is used for different studies.

What is the glycated hemoglobin test for?

It is a blood test that is carried out to monitor all people who have diabetes since it is an effective way to know the glucose levels in the bloodstream in an average of the last 2 or 3 months. This test helps doctors to know if the treatment to control diabetes is being effective or not, so it also considerably reduces the risk of complications such as coronary heart disease, blindness, or even amputations, so it is expected that it is requested between 2 to 4 times a year, depending on the state of each person. Likewise, glycated hemoglobin may also be ideal for diagnosing diabetes, although an older method is still preferred, i.e., fasting glucose.

However, in some cases, the glycosylated hemoglobin test indicates more than the fasting glycemia analysis since the first provides more information for a longer time. In contrast, the result reflects the glucose level for a more extended period in the second analysis. Short period. Therefore, to know if there is any alteration in the amount of glucose in the blood, the doctor can recommend only the glycated hemoglobin test or accompany it with other studies that provide this information.

Glycosylated hemoglobin: average values

When the term glycosylated average hemoglobin value is used, it refers to the value for a healthy person, that is, who does not have diabetes or any other disease that could alter this level. In contrast, the average value of hemoglobin A1c in diabetic people or simply the desirable value term of HbA1c is higher than in a healthy person but acceptable for someone with diabetes. In general, the result of a glycated hemoglobin test can be interpreted as follows:

  • The value between 4.0% to 5.6%: Represents the average value of HbA1. It is expected in a healthy person who does not have diabetes.
  • Between 5.7% to 6.4%: Although it is a higher value than average, it is not enough to diagnose diabetes, but it indicates that there is a greater probability of risk of suffering from a said disease shortly. If this result is obtained, the doctor may recommend some care to prevent, delay or even avoid the development of diabetes.
  • Between 6.5% to 7.0%: In a person without diagnosed diabetes, it indicates that this disease has developed; while, in already diabetic patients and under treatment for it, it reflects the desired level of glucose in the blood for this condition, which indicates that it is under control.
  • Between 7.1% to 7.9%: Reflect an abnormal state of glycosylated hemoglobin in diabetic adults, but in children and older adults, it may not be as problematic, as they tend to imbalance due to diabetes treatment.
  • More remarkable than 8.0%: This is a very high value, possibly because the diabetes treatment is not working, although it may also be due to other factors. This is when you run the highest risk of complications.

High glycosylated hemoglobin: causes

One of the advantages of this test is that it can be performed without fasting and is still very reliable. Still, some factors can affect glycosylated hemoglobin level, giving an incorrect result, leaving aside those patients who have diabetes. Therefore, it is essential to identify them to give a correct diagnosis. Among these most prominent factors are:

This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor if you present any condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to Glycated hemoglobin: average values, we recommend that you enter our Endocrine System category.

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