😲 What is glycosylated or glycated hemoglobin?

An essential post to understand your blood sugar levels.

12/2/20233 min read

A phrase I constantly repeat to my patients: "If you don't have your diabetes under control, it's impossible to control cardiovascular disease💔." The image in the post is a real example of a patient in consultation with very high and dangerous levels of HbA1c, as it remains silent for a long time while causing irreversible damage (cardiovascular, renal, and retinal).

Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects millions of people worldwide. One of the most important aspects in managing diabetes is controlling blood sugar levels. To assess glycemic control in diabetic patients, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) measurement is used. Diagnosis of diabetes is also made with HbA1c values above 6.5% or fasting blood glucose greater than 126 mg/dL on at least two occasions.

The amount of glycosylated hemoglobin present in the blood is proportional to the average glucose levels over the past 2-3 months. Therefore, measuring HbA1c is a useful tool for assessing long-term glycemic control in diabetic patients.

Assessing HbA1c has several advantages compared to blood glucose measurements at the moment. First, HbA1c measurement does not require the patient to be fasting, making it easier to perform. Additionally, HbA1c reflects average glucose levels over a longer period, providing a more complete picture of glycemic control.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends that diabetic patients undergo HbA1c assessment at least twice a year. This assessment is especially important in patients with type 2 diabetes, as they often have a slower progression of the disease and may not present obvious symptoms of poor glycemic control.

The results of HbA1c assessment have direct implications for the pharmacological treatment of diabetic patients. If HbA1c levels are above the established target (usually below 7%), it may be necessary to adjust the dose of hypoglycemic medications or even initiate insulin therapy.

Furthermore, HbA1c assessment can also help identify those patients who require lifestyle changes, such as a healthier diet or increased physical activity. By providing an objective measure of glycemic control, HbA1c can motivate patients to make positive changes in their lifestyle to improve their health.

It's important to consult your cardiologist and endocrinologist for a detailed clinical evaluation🩺 and to determine the best treatment according to your condition💊.

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