Description
The Diabetes Basic Profile Measures Hemoglobin A1C and Serum Glucose. Both of these tests are routinely ordered to monitor Diabetic patients.
Hemoglobin A1C values are used to assess glucose control in diabetes. It is useful for a diabetic to have information about the long-term control of sugar levels. The Hemoglobin A1C test is one blood sample every 3 to 4 months, and the test does not change with any recent changes in medicines, diet or exercise. Glucose binds to hemoglobin in red blood cells at steady rate. Since red blood cells last 3 to 4 months, the Hemoglobin A1C test shows how much glucose is in plasma part of blood. This test shows how well diabetes has been controlled in the last 2 to 3 months and whether diabetes medicine needs to be changed. The A1C level can also help doctors see how big your risk is of developing problems from diabetes, such as kidney failure, vision problems, and leg or foot numbness. The lower A1C level, the lower chance of having problems.
Glucose levels in Serum determine blood glucose level to diagnose or monitor hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia. Also to monitor glucose levels in persons with diabetes. A diabetic person has to check blood glucose level several times a day. This test is prescribed, when you have symptoms suggesting hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia, and during pregnancy. Blood glucose testing can be used to regularly screen healthy, asymptomatic individuals for diabetes and pre-diabetes because diabetes is a common disease that begins with few symptoms.