What does the HbA1c test measure?

The HbA1c test measures average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months by evaluating the percentage of hemoglobin proteins in the blood that are glycated or bound to glucose. This provides a long-term overview of blood glucose control, as red blood cells typically have a lifespan of about 120 days. The result reflects how well blood sugar levels have been managed over that period, making it especially useful for monitoring diabetes management. This test is essential for understanding a patient’s glycemic control and helps in making informed treatment decisions.

The other options either misrepresent the time frame for average blood sugar levels or focus on unrelated measurements, such as cholesterol or immediate blood sugar levels.