Question

Cindy returns to her pediatrician three months later for a re-check, and is found to have a glycosylated hemoglobin level (Hb A1C) of 9.5%.

A. What is glycosylated hemoglobin? What is the normal range for glycosylated hemoglobin?
B. What does Cindy's Hb A1C level indicate that a one-time direct measurement of blood glucose doesn't indicate?

Answer 1

Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) reflects the average blood glucose level over the past 3 to 4 months. A normal HbA1c is less than 7%. Cindy's level of 9.5% suggests poor diabetes control and may require a modification in her treatment.

Step-by-step explanation:

Glycosylated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) and its Significance

Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is a form of hemoglobin to which glucose is bound. The normal range for HbA1c in individuals without diabetes is less than 7%. For people with diabetes, maintaining an HbA1c close to this range can help prevent complications related to the disease.

Cindy's HbA1c level of 9.5% indicates that her blood glucose levels have been consistently high over the past 3 to 4 months, rather than just at the time of a single blood glucose measurement. This long-term perspective is crucial because it shows how well diabetes is being controlled over time. An HbA1c above 7% suggests that an individual has a higher risk of developing diabetes-related complications.

It is also worth noting that certain conditions can falsely increase or falsely decrease HbA1c levels, such as kidney failure or chronic blood loss. Therefore, it is important to consider these factors when interpreting HbA1c results. In Cindy's case, a level above 9% typically indicates poor control of diabetes, and a change in her treatment plan may be necessary to better manage her condition.