What measure is used to assess long-term blood sugar control?

• A. HbA1c%
• B. Fasting blood glucose
• C. Random blood glucose
• D. Postprandial glucose

Answer: (A)

Long-term blood sugar control is best assessed by the HbA1c percentage. This measure reflects the average glucose level over the life of red blood cells, roughly the past 2 to 3 months, giving a picture of sustained glycemic exposure rather than a single moment in time. Fasting blood glucose shows a snapshot after an overnight fast and can be influenced by recent factors like meals or stress. Random blood glucose varies with when you last ate and doesn’t indicate long-term control. Postprandial glucose measures glucose after a meal and also reflects short-term fluctuations. HbA1c provides the integrated, longer-term view that is most useful for evaluating chronic control and guiding treatment.