HbA1c Test: Your Complete Guide to Understanding Blood Sugar Over Time
HbA1c Test Explained: Everything You Need to Know 🩸 HbA1c Test: Your Complete Guide to Understanding Blood Sugar Over Time When it comes to diabetes and blood sugar, most people are familiar with the simple finger-prick glucose test. But did you know there’s a powerful test that reveals your average blood sugar level over the past three months ? That’s the HbA1c test, also called the glycated hemoglobin test. Let’s break it down in a simple, exciting way that anyone can understand. 🔍 What Exactly is HbA1c? Hemoglobin is the protein in your red blood cells that carries oxygen. When sugar (glucose) is in your bloodstream, some of it sticks to hemoglobin. The more sugar in your blood, the more “glycated” hemoglobin you have. The HbA1c test measures this percentage. Because red blood cells live about 3 months, this test reflects your average blood sugar during that time. Think of HbA1c as your “sugar memory.” It doesn’t just show today’s blood sugar, but ho...