Final answer:
Glucosylated hemoglobin, or hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), is used to monitor the long-term control of diabetes mellitus. It reflects the average blood glucose level over the past 3 to 4 months. Diabetics with HbA1c levels close to 7% have a lower risk of complications.
Step-by-step explanation:
Glucosylated hemoglobin, also known as hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), is a fraction of hemoglobin to which glucose is bound. It is used to monitor the long-term control of diabetes mellitus. Glucose stays attached to hemoglobin for the life of a red blood cell, which is normally about 120 days. Therefore, measuring the level of HbA1c reflects the average blood glucose level over the past 3 to 4 months. Diabetics who maintain HbA1c levels close to 7% have a lower risk of complications compared to those with higher levels.