Blood Glucose Levels Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Blood Glucose Levels - Essay Example ver the past 8 to 12 weeks, and is also used alongside other tests such as home blood sugar monitoring to determine if modifications in diabetes therapy will be required (Nathan, Turgeon & Regan, 2007). The duration is dictated by the lifespan of red blood cells, which is averagely 120 days. When diabetes is not controlled, blood sugar levels rise and the sugar combines with the hemoglobin in erythrocytes, becoming glycated. Studies have confirmed the reliability of the HbA1c as a measure of long-term glycemia and in determining the pathogenesis of chronic diabetic complications (Rohlfing et al., 2002). An HbA1c greater than 6.5% is considered indicative of diabetes (World Health Organization, 2011). Therefore, people living with diabetes are advised to maintain a level as near normal as possible to prevent long-term complications of diabetes. In conclusion, it is important to measure the HbA1c periodically to know if the blood sugar is in control. Testing every three months is recommended but experts also recommend up to six months for people who can control their blood sugar. Abnormalities may however occur in disease cases where haemoglobin is affected, such as anaemia. Kidney and liver disorders may also be sources of error in the test. Rohlfing, C. L., Wiedmeyer, H. M., Little, R. R., England, J. D., Tennill, A., & Goldstein, D. E. (2002). Defining the relationship between plasma glucose and HbA1c analysis of glucose profiles and HbA1c in the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial.  Diabetes care,  25(2),