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Glycohemoglobin (HbA1C) The Hemoglobin A1c test is useful in screening and diagnosing patients with diabetes or prediabetes. However, this test should not be used for diagnosis in pregnant women, people who have had recent severe bleeding or blood transfusions, those with chronic kidney or liver disease, and people with blood disorders such as iron-deficiency anemia, vitamin B12 anemia, and hemoglobin variants. Hemoglobin A1c may be ordered as part of a general health checkup or when a patient is having symptoms of increased blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia) such as: • Increased thirst • Increased urination • Fatigue • Blurred vision • Slow-healing infections If you are a diabetic, your A1c may be measured 2 to 4 times each year, depending on the type of diabetes you have, how well your diabetes is controlled, and your doctor’s protocol. For diabetic patients monitoring their glucose, it is currently that their A1c results are kept below 7. The A1c test is not a reflection of temporary, acute blood glucose increases or decreases. It is used to monitor the glucose control of diabetics over time (over the last 2 to 3 months). By keeping glucose levels as close to normal as possible, diabetics can help to minimize the complications caused by chronically elevated glucose levels, such as progressive damage to body organs like the kidneys, eyes, cardiovascular system, and nerves.
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