DEFINITION
HbA1c (glycated haemoglobin) reflects the non-enzymatic glycation of the β-chain N-terminus of haemoglobin A. Because erythrocytes have an average lifespan of approximately 120 days, HbA1c integrates average blood glucose over roughly two to three months.
HbA1c is the standard primary endpoint in glycaemic-control trials of GLP-1 receptor agonists and dual incretin agonists, including the SURPASS programme for Tirzepatide and the SUSTAIN programme for Semaglutide. It is typically reported as a percentage (DCCT) or mmol/mol (IFCC).
WHY IT MATTERS
HbA1c is the reference outcome measure that anchors interpretation of every glycaemic-control trial in incretin pharmacology.
RELATED
Compounds