Glycosylated Hemoglobin: The Importance in Management of Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a major public health problem with high and increasing prevalence, morbidity and mortality. The association between diabetes and microvascular and macrovascular complications is well known besides, tight glycemic control is a necessity. HbA1C has clinically been used since 1980s as a gold standard for monitoring glycemic control and predicting of diabetic complications. The present review article was prepared by computerized sources of literature searches 2000 2009. The history of Hemoglobin A1C, its assay techniques, optimal A1C targets, its reliability in control of diabetic complications, limitations of test results and its importance in control of diabetes patients and their complications are discussed.