Final answer:
The statement is true; Hemoglobin A1C levels do increase in proportion to the amount of circulating glucose, reflecting the average blood glucose level over the past 3 to 4 months. This measurement is a key indicator in monitoring long-term diabetes control.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that Hemoglobin A1C increases in proportion to the amount of circulating glucose is true. Hemoglobin A1C, often referred to as HbA1c, is a form of hemoglobin that becomes glycosylated, meaning glucose molecules are bound to it, when there is an excess of glucose in the bloodstream.
The level of HbA1c is significant because it reflects the average blood glucose level over the life span of red blood cells, which is normally about 120 days. Therefore, the HbA1c level is an essential tool in monitoring the long-term control of diabetes mellitus. Patients with well-controlled diabetes aim to maintain HbA1c levels close to 7%, while levels above 9% indicate poor control, and those above 12% suggest very poor control. It is recommended for diabetics to measure their HbA1c every 3 to 6 months.
It's important to note that certain medical conditions can alter the accuracy of HbA1c measurements. For instance, conditions like uremia, chronic excessive alcohol intake, hypertriglyceridemia, blood loss, and hemoglobinopathies may falsely increase or decrease the HbA1c results.