What test is used to evaluate long-term glucose control for patients with diabetes?

The Hemoglobin A1C test is the standard method for evaluating long-term glucose control in patients with diabetes. This blood test provides an average of a person's blood glucose levels over the past two to three months, reflecting how well their diabetes is being managed over time.

Hemoglobin A1C measures the percentage of hemoglobin molecules in the blood that are glycated, which occurs when glucose attaches to hemoglobin. A higher percentage indicates poorer long-term blood sugar control, which can lead to a higher risk of diabetes complications.

In contrast to other tests like the fasting blood sugar and random blood glucose test, which provide a snapshot of glucose levels at a specific moment, the A1C test offers insight into the patient's overall glucose management over a longer duration. The oral glucose tolerance test assesses the body's ability to handle a glucose load, but it is not designed to evaluate long-term control. Therefore, Hemoglobin A1C is the preferred test for monitoring long-term glucose control in diabetic patients.