Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) is a protein produced in human erythrocytes which is frequently used as a marker to measure blood glucose levels. This protein is formed in a non-enzymatic glycation pathway following the exposure of hemoglobin to plasma glucose and makes up the beta-N-1-deoxy fructosyl component of hemoglobin. The glycation reaction is irreversible and thus the hemoglobin remains glycated for the remaining life span of an erythrocyte. As a result, measurement of Hb1Ac reflects the exposure of erythrocytes to glucose and thus is a good indicator of blood glucose levels. High levels of HbA1c is associated with a high concentration of blood glucose which often indicates poor control of blood glucose levels which is characteristic of diabetes mellitus, and is associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). Glycated hemoglobin causes an increase in the production of highly reactive free radicals which can result in blood cell aggregation, increased blood viscosity and atherosclerosis. HbA1c levels can be assessed using several different methods including high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and immunoassays. Abbexa's Glycated Hemoglobin Protein (abx069836) has been filtered and purified to give a purity of ≥96% when analysed by HPLC using a Mono S Column.
