Which test is commonly used to monitor long-term glucose control?

The A1c test, also known as the hemoglobin A1c or glycated hemoglobin test, is commonly used to monitor long-term glucose control over a period of approximately two to three months. This test measures the percentage of hemoglobin in the blood that has glucose attached to it, providing an average of blood sugar levels during that time frame.

By assessing the A1c level, healthcare providers can gauge how well a person's diabetes is being managed, as it reflects the body's overall blood glucose levels rather than a single snapshot in time. This is critical for making informed decisions about treatment plans and lifestyle changes to improve glucose control.

In contrast, other tests like the random glucose test and fasting blood sugar test measure glucose levels at specific moments but do not provide insight into long-term blood glucose trends. The urinary glucose test can indicate the presence of glucose in urine but is less direct in measuring long-term control compared to the A1c test, which is the gold standard for this purpose.