HbA_1C

Characteristics

• Hemoglobin is the molecule responsible for transport of oxygen throughout the organism. Glucose and other sugars bind to the blood proteins, proportionally to its concentration. This fact also happens with hemoglobins.
• There are different types of glycosilated Hb depending on the sugar linked to the HbA: the glycated ones are generally named HbA1 and the ones that have specifically reacted with glucose are named HbA1c.

Diagnostic Utility

• The glycosilated hemoglobin represents a trustworthy index of the sugar blood level during prolonged periods of time. For this reason, it is a good parameter for the follow-up and monitoring of diabetic patients.