Glycosylated hemoglobin
Glycosylated Hemoglobin
Glycosylated hemoglobin (pronunciation: gly·co·sy·lat·ed he·mo·glo·bin), also known as HbA1c, is a form of hemoglobin that is chemically linked to a sugar. The term 'glycosylated hemoglobin' is derived from the Greek words 'glykys' meaning sweet, 'haima' meaning blood, and 'globin' meaning protein.
Definition
Glycosylated hemoglobin is a test that indicates the average level of blood sugar (glucose) over the past 2 to 3 months. It is used to monitor the blood sugar level of people with diabetes. It is the best measure of long-term control of blood sugar levels as it provides an overview of the person's blood sugar levels over a period of time.
Function
When glucose enters the bloodstream, it can attach to the hemoglobin in red blood cells. The amount of glucose that combines with this protein is directly proportional to the total amount of sugar that is in your system at that time. Because red blood cells in the human body survive for 8-12 weeks before renewal, measuring glycosylated hemoglobin can reveal average blood sugar levels over the past 2 to 3 months.
Related Terms
- Hemoglobin: A protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen.
- Diabetes: A disease that occurs when your blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is too high.
- Blood sugar: The main sugar found in the blood and the body's main source of energy.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Glycosylated hemoglobin
- Wikipedia's article - Glycosylated hemoglobin
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