What analyte is used to measure the long-term control of diabetes glucose levels?

The analyte that is most widely used to measure long-term control of glucose levels in individuals with diabetes is hemoglobin A1C. This test reflects the average blood glucose levels over the previous two to three months by measuring the percentage of hemoglobin that is glycated, or bound to glucose. Since red blood cells have a lifespan of about 120 days, the hemoglobin A1C provides an integrated view of blood sugar levels over time rather than just a snapshot from a single time point.

This makes hemoglobin A1C particularly valuable in clinical practice. It guides treatment decisions and helps determine how well a person with diabetes is managing their blood glucose levels over an extended period. Target A1C levels may vary based on individual health conditions, but typically, a target of less than 7% is commonly recommended to minimize complications associated with diabetes.

In contrast, the other options are useful for different reasons but do not provide an assessment of long-term glucose control. Fasting blood glucose measures glucose levels after fasting for 8 hours and gives information about current glucose levels but does not indicate historical trends. The glucose tolerance test assesses how well the body handles a glucose load, primarily used for diagnosing diabetes, particularly gestational diabetes, rather than monitoring it over