Answer:
Option C, glycosylated hemoglobin test (HbA₁c)
Explanation:
In the home setting, the blood glucose levels, or blood sugar, of patients living with diabetes is monitored using traditional glucometers. In the medical setting, however, these recreational devices are exchanged for a blood draw laboratory test known as the glycosylated hemoglobin test (HbA₁C, or just A₁C).
The glycosylated hemoglobin test measures the average amount of glucose present within the blood typically over the past three months. Specifically, it tests how much of the oxygen-carrying hemoglobin found in the red blood cells is covered with glucose, meaning the glucose on its surface is not properly being efficiently and or effectively shunted into the cells to be metabolized. This test can only provide insight into blood sugar control over a 3-month time period because this is thought to be the duration of red blood cell lifespan.
HbA₁C is reported as a percentage, with higher numbers indicating higher blood glucose in turn translating to poorer glycemic control. The goal for patients living with diabetes is for this percentage to generally be less than 7%, with some sources even saying less than 6.5%.
The test used to monitor diabetic sugar levels is option C, glycosylated hemoglobin test.
