Glycated hemoglobin levels

Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells or erythrocytes, and when bound to glucose molecules, it gives rise to the glycosylated form of hemoglobin, known as HbA1c. Measurement of HbA1c levels plays a key role in the diagnosis and monitoring of diabetes, a disease that affects about 9.3% of the world`s population.

Glycosylated hemoglobin, also known as hemoglobin A1c or simply HbA1c, is a marker used to measure long-term blood sugar control. This test provides an average estimate of blood glucose levels over a period of approximately 2 to 3 months, as it reflects how blood sugar levels have been maintained over that period of time. It is one of the tests commonly used for the diagnosis of prediabetes and diabetes.

Glucose in the blood naturally binds to hemoglobin, a protein present in red blood cells. This binding persists for a period ranging from 90 to 120 days (approximately 3 months). When blood glucose levels remain elevated for a prolonged period of time, more glucose binds to hemoglobin. Measurement of HbA1c reflects this glycosylation process and provides an indication of the average blood glucose control over the previous weeks. The higher the HbA1c concentration, the higher the average blood sugar during that period, and vice versa.

An HbA1c level below 5.7 % is considered within normal values, while a range of 5.7 to 6.4 % indicates the presence of prediabetes. When HbA1c reaches or exceeds 6.5 %, the diagnosis of diabetes is established. In the case of prediabetes, the higher the HbA1c value within the range of 5.7 to 6.4 %, the higher the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

The risk factors associated with this trait are related to diabetes and prediabetes. In this regard, overweight, age (people older than 45 years), previous experience of gestational diabetes, family history and belonging to certain ethnicities (such as African American, Hispanic or Latino, Native American, Pacific Islander and Asian American) have been identified as elements that increase the risk of having altered levels of glycosylated hemoglobin.