Скачать или смотреть Hemoglobin A1c Blood Test Explained: What It Means for Diabetes

In this video Dr O'Donovan explains the HbA1c test, also known as the glycated hemoglobin test (or A1C test in the USA). This is a blood test that provides an average of your blood sugar levels over the past 2 to 3 months. It's a key tool for diagnosing and monitoring diabetes, as well as assessing the risk of developing the condition.

What it measures: The test measures the amount of glucose (sugar) attached to hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Higher levels of HbA1c indicate higher average blood sugar levels over time.

Why it's important:

1. Diagnosing diabetes: An HbA1c level of 48 mmol/mol (6.5%) or higher is a key indicator for diagnosing type 2 diabetes.

2. Monitoring diabetes: For people already diagnosed with diabetes, the HbA1c test helps assess how well their blood sugar is being managed over the long term.

3. Assessing diabetes risk: HbA1c levels can also indicate if someone is at risk of developing diabetes, even if they don't currently have the condition.

How it's done: The HbA1c test is a simple blood test, typically taken from a vein or through a finger prick. There's no need to fast before the test.

How often it's done: The frequency of testing varies, but it's often done every 3 to 6 months for people with diabetes, or more frequently if blood sugar levels are changing rapidly.

Content and timestamps:

00:00 Introduction
00:37 - What is an HbA1c test?
01:16 - Why is a HbA1c test done?
01:55 - How often is it done?
02:25 - What do the results of a HbA1c test mean?
03:36 - When might the test not be suitable?

Website resources

Cleveland Clinic - USA - https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health...

Diabetes UK information - https://www.diabetes.org.uk/about-dia...

Video made: July 2025

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