HbA1c is used to monitor long-term glycemic control in diabetes. Which statement is most accurate?

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not applicable
• D. Only during pregnancy

Answer: (A)

HbA1c reflects average blood glucose over the past 2–3 months because red blood cells live about 120 days and glucose remains attached to hemoglobin for that lifespan. This gives a long-term view of glycemic control, smoothing out daily peaks and troughs from meals or stress. In diabetes care, HbA1c is routinely used to assess how well glucose has been controlled over weeks to months and to guide treatment decisions, rather than to judge short-term glucose fluctuations. It applies broadly, including in nonpregnant and pregnant individuals with diabetes, though pregnancy requires special monitoring considerations and targets.

So, the statement that HbA1c is used to monitor long-term glycemic control is the most accurate.