We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Glycosylated Hemoglobin?

By Misty Wiser
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 9,892
Share

Glycosylated hemoglobin, also known as glycated hemoglobin, is a red blood cell that has absorbed free-floating glucose from the blood stream. Glucose, or sugar, binds to a protein called heme within the cells in a non-reversible process called glycation. A test showing the concentration of glycosylated hemoglobin may be done to determine the amount of sugar in the blood over the entire lifespan of a red blood cell, which is usually about 120 days. This information enables a physician to determine the average blood glucose levels over time of a person with diabetes.

All people have a percentage of glycosylated hemoglobin circulating in the bloodstream. The average person will show a concentration of four to five percent on test results. A person with diabetes will typically have a result that is greater than seven percent.

The test for glycosylated hemoglobin is called a diabetic control index, a hemoglobin A1c test, or an HbA1c measurement. Blood is drawn to measure a person’s glycosylated hemoglobin levels. The most common complaint after the test is bruising or tenderness at the draw site. Over-the-counter pain relievers and an ice pack on the area can help alleviate the pain and swelling.

Testing is recommended twice a year for people with well-regulated diabetes. People that do not have stable sugar levels may need to be tested up to four times a year. The test may also be ordered to confirm a diagnosis of diabetes.

Elevated concentrations of glycosylated hemoglobin can indicate the risk of future health complications from diabetes. More people with consistently high percentages of glycosylated hemoglobin experience damage to the small blood vessels in the body. This damage can lead to blindness and kidney disease. Some people have the sensation of numbness or pins and needles in the arms and legs because of diabetic neuropathy.

A common complication of diabetes is slow wound healing, especially on the extremities. High blood sugar levels can cause poor blood circulation throughout the body. Without adequate blood supply, tissue is unable to heal and may become infected and necrotize, or die off. Surgical debridement of the infected area or an amputation of the dying tissue may be necessary to prevent the spread of the infection.

Medication, a nutritious diet, and regular exercise can lower blood sugar levels and improve circulation over time. The decrease in the available sugar in the bloodstream will cause lowered glycosylated hemoglobin percentages. An accurate depiction of average blood sugar levels cannot be determined from the test within three months of a diet or exercise change.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-glycosylated-hemoglobin.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.