Hemoglobin A1c (Glycated Hemoglobin)
Hemoglobin A1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) explained
A1c reflects average blood glucose over ~3 months, helping diagnose and monitor diabetes.
Varies by laboratory (LDT/CLIA; not FDA‑approved as a drug)Hemoglobin A1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) helps treat
• Diabetes screening and monitoring
• Assessing therapy effectiveness
• Risk stratification
additional medications
• Related clinical evaluation and history
• Repeat testing to confirm abnormal results
• Additional targeted labs as recommended
medication risks
• False positives/negatives leading to unnecessary anxiety or missed diagnoses
• Privacy and insurance implications depending on results
• Pre‑analytical variables (fasting, meds) can affect accuracy
side effects
• Bruising or soreness at draw site
• Lightheadedness or fainting (rare)
• Infection at puncture site (very rare)
FAQs
Q: Fasting?A: Not required.
Q: What can skew results?
A: Hemoglobin variants, anemia, CKD can alter A1c accuracy.
Q: How often to check?
A: Every 3 months when adjusting treatment, per clinician.
Q: Diagnostic cutoffs?
A: Use guideline thresholds; labs provide reference ranges.
Q: Alternatives?
A: Fructosamine can be used when A1c is unreliable.
