Final answer:
The total Hgb, or total hemoglobin, refers to the overall amount of hemoglobin in the blood. Hemoglobin A1c is used to assess long-term control of diabetes. Diabetics aim to keep their hemoglobin A1c levels close to the normal target of less than 7%.
Step-by-step explanation:
The total Hgb, or total hemoglobin, refers to the overall amount of hemoglobin in the blood. Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. It also helps transport carbon dioxide back to the lungs to be exhaled.
In the context of the provided information, the level of hemoglobin A1c is commonly used to assess long-term control of diabetes. Monitoring hemoglobin A1c levels can provide insights into a person's average blood glucose level over the past 4 months.
It's important to note that the normal level for hemoglobin A1c is less than 7% and diabetics aim to keep their levels as close to this target as possible to mitigate complications.