Understanding A1C: A Key Marker in Diabetes Management
By Tyler J. Hyslep, PA-C Diabetes is a complex metabolic disorder and one of the most common chronic diseases seen at our office. Managing diabetes requires close monitoring of blood glucose levels to prevent complications. One crucial tool that we use is an A1C test. A1C is a blood test that measures the average blood glucose level over the past three months. It provides a valuable indicator of long-term blood sugar control, offering insights into a person's overall diabetes management. The A1C test measures the percentage of hemoglobin molecules in the blood that have glucose attached to them. Hemoglobin is found in red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. When blood glucose levels are high, more glucose binds to hemoglobin, forming an A1C. The...