HbA1C and diabetes – an overview

The hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) assay has become the gold-standard measurement of chronic glycaemia for over two decades. It provides an average blood glucose level during the preceding 10 - 12 weeks. Its close association with risk for long-term complications, established in epidemiologic studies and clinical trials, has resulted in clinicians using HbA1C test results to guide their treatment decisions, and thus the assay has become the cornerstone of clinical practice. This brief review describes some important facts about HbA1C and its relevance and usefulness in clinical practice. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/sjdem.v3i2.6379 Sri Lanka Journal of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism 2013; 3: 104-107