Glycosylated hemoglobin

Glycosylated (or glycolated) hemoglobin (Hb_1c , Hb_A1c or Hg_A1c) is a form of hemoglobinused primarily to identify the plasmaglucoseconcentrationover time.

In the normal 120-day life span of the red blood cell, glucose molecules join hemoglobin, forming glycosylatedhemoglobin. In individuals with poorly controlled diabetes, increases in the quantities of these glycosylated hemoglobins are noted.

Once a hemoglobin molecule is glycosylated, it remains that way. A buildup of glycosylated hemoglobin within the red cell reflects the average level of glucose to which the cell has been exposed during its life cycle. Measuring glycosylated hemoglobin assesses the effectiveness of therapy by monitoring long-term serum glucose regulation.

Normal/Healthy values of Hb_A1c are around 5%. While diabetic patient treatment goals vary, many include a target range of Hb_A1c values. The International Diabetes Federation and American College of Endocrinology recommends Hb_A1c values below 6.5%, while the range recommended by the American Diabetes Associationextends to 7%.

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It uses material from the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glycosylated+hemoglobin Wikipedia article Glycosylated hemoglobin.