Explanation
•HbA1c monitors long term control of blood glucose levels. The diabetic goal is a HbA1c <7%.
•HbA1c measures the amount of glucose molecules that have reacted with a red blood cell over the lifespan of the cell (120 days).
•HbA1c levels are done 2-4 times annually.
•Routine blood glucose checks use capillary blood and are done at least every morning.