Glycated hemoglobin

Glycated hemoglobin is also often referred to as your hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c). This is a measure of someone’s average blood sugar levels within the past two to three months. Someone’s blood sugar (or glucose) levels is important to track, as it can be an indicator of uncontrolled blood sugar levels. As such, we can use HbA1c to screen or diagnose:
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Prediabetes. Prediabetes would indicate that someone’s blood sugar levels are elevated, but not high enough for a true diabetes diagnosis. Lifestyle modifications like physical activity and diet can prevent prediabetes from becoming type 2 diabetes.
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Type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is characterized by high blood sugar levels due to low insulin levels or an impaired insulin response in the body. It is associated with several complications like kidney disease, heart disease, and nerve damage.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) suggests that any of the following individuals test their HbA1c to detect prediabetes or diabetes:
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Individuals over the age of 45. With normal results, individuals should test every three years. If someone has prediabetes, they should test every one to two years. If someone has diabetes, they should test twice yearly.
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Individuals over the age of 45 with risk factors for diabetes. This includes individuals that have prediabetes, are overweight or obese, have a family history of diabetes, have high blood pressure and/or cholesterol, have had a stroke or heart disease, are a minority, or who aren’t physically active.