HbA1c
Glycated form of hemoglobin reflecting average plasma glucose over the preceding 2-3 months (the RBC lifespan); used for diabetes diagnosis (≥6.5%), monitoring, and risk assessment.
Also: A1c, Glycated hemoglobin, Glycohemoglobin
Standardized to the IFCC reference method. Caveats: conditions altering RBC turnover (hemolytic anemia, iron deficiency, hemoglobinopathies, recent transfusion, late pregnancy) distort HbA1c interpretation. Fructosamine and 1,5-anhydroglucitol are alternative shorter-term markers. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) increasingly complements HbA1c in clinical practice.
How one textbook covers it
Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease, 12th ed. — Ch 63: Nutrition Management of Diabetes
Standardized to the IFCC reference method. Caveats: conditions altering RBC turnover (hemolytic anemia, iron deficiency, hemoglobinopathies, recent transfusion, late pregnancy) distort HbA1c interpretation. Fructosamine and 1,5-anhydroglucitol are alternative shorter-term markers. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) increasingly complements HbA1c in clinical practice.
Related terms
Continuous glucose monitoring, Diabetes, Glycation