Diagnosis and Monitoring Diabetes

• Glycosylated Hemoglobin

Another blood test your physician may perform to learn more about the glucose concentration in your blood involves Glycosylated hemoglobin. Glycosylated hemoglobin is created when glucose is attached to hemoglobin cells (red blood cells). The concentration of these Glycosylated hemoglobin molecules is a good barometer of average glucose content, as it is higher in diabetics than in nondiabetics. It is also very high in patients who poorly control their diabetes.
Glucose attaches to the hemoglobin slowly, depending on the concentration of glucose in the blood. Since the life span of a red blood cells is about four months, a high concentration of Glycosylated hemoglobin in your blood indicates that the condition has been building over a period of time. A measurement of glycosylated hemoglobin is like peering back in time. Because this test indicates whan happened previously, rather than what is taking place now, it does help your doctor in terms of establishing or making adjustments in your treatment. Also, the test at present is expensive. However, for long-term monitoring of diabetic control, glycosylated hemoglobin tests are useful, and your physician may make use of them in treating you.