Explain why HbA1c is used a measure of long-term control of blood glucose levels and how this measure will be useful in the management of a person with type 2 diabetes
ANSWER: HbA1c is glycated hemoglobin. The normal range for HbA1c is 4 to 6%. But in patients with diabetes this ramge is above 7%. Glycated hemoglobin is a form of hemoglobin that is chemically linked to a sugar. When the glucose level in the blood increases more glucose gets to bind to hemoglobin in the red blood cells. It forms the basis for the test to manage diabetes mellitus. Once the hemoglobin molecule is glycated, it does not unbind till the rbc is dead. Hence it reflects the average blood glucose levels to which the cells has been exposed during its life time. In a patient with type 2 diabetes, the value must be less than 9% to say he is under control. If the value exceeds 9% it is uncontrolled diabetes. It helps the physician to advise the patient about his condition, reform his dietary plan, exercise plan.
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