How is hemoglobin A1c used in medical assessments?

Hemoglobin A1c is a crucial biomarker used primarily to monitor long-term glucose control in individuals with diabetes. This test reflects the average blood glucose levels over the past two to three months by measuring the percentage of hemoglobin proteins in the blood that are coated with sugar (glycated hemoglobin). A higher A1c level indicates poorer blood sugar control and an increased risk of diabetes-related complications. Therefore, it plays a significant role in the management of diabetes, guiding treatment decisions and indicating whether adjustments to medications or lifestyle are needed to maintain optimal glucose levels.

The other options pertain to different aspects of health monitoring. White blood cell count assesses immune function, liver function tests evaluate the health of the liver, and tests for kidney health look at how well the kidneys are functioning. None of these are related to the measurement of hemoglobin A1c.