What is the difference between glycated hemoglobin and hemoglobin?
Disease description:
It's already troublesome enough for diabetic patients to measure their blood glucose at home every day. Doctors also require them to go to the hospital every three months for a blood draw to check their hemoglobin A1c. What's the difference between glycated hemoglobin and hemoglobin?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhang Heyang
The differences between hemoglobin and glycated hemoglobin are as follows: Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen and is the main reason why blood appears red. Glycated hemoglobin is a form of hemoglobin. Glycated hemoglobin reflects the average blood glucose level over the past 2–3 months, whereas hemoglobin indicates anemia status. Reduced hemoglobin levels indicate anemia. Glycated hemoglobin can be affected by anemia and hemoglobin disorders. Hemoglobin concentration is influenced by deficiencies in hematopoietic materials such as iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12.
