Glycated hemoglobin

It is possible to determine a child’s glycated hemoglobin with blood tests. This test is conducted several times a year during pediatric follow-up visits that allow the attending physician to evaluate blood glucose levels over the past months.

In fact, glycated hemoglobin indicates the average blood glucose levels over the past three months. That is why it is one of the tools used to evaluate the diabetes treatment and make adjustments as needed. It allows the treating physician to have an overall view of blood glucose levels. However, it should not be the only indicator used in follow-up, since an individual may experience numerous low blood or high blood glucose episodes, and after three months show a “good” average. High glycated hemoglobin may indicate that the treatment needs to be adjusted, but it may also be the result of a long period of stress or intense emotion for the child, when it is harder to control blood glucose levels.