HbA1c reflects the average blood glucose over roughly which period?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. The previous eight to twelve weeks, weighted towards the most recent weeks
- Step 1: HbA1c is the fraction of haemoglobin that has glucose attached. Step 2. Red cells live about 120 days, and the most recent weeks contribute most of the signal. Answer: The previous eight to twelve weeks. Why not the others: Fructosamine and capillary glucose reflect days to two weeks. Platelets live about a week. No test of this type spans nine to twelve months.
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