HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin)
HbA1c, or glycated hemoglobin, is a measure that reflects your average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months. This test indicates how well the blood sugar has been controlled in people with diabetes, offering a long-term perspective. Hemoglobin is a protein in your red blood cells that carries oxygen. When glucose, or sugar, in the blood attaches to this protein, it becomes "glycated." The more glucose in the bloodstream, the higher the level of glycated hemoglobin.
The HbA1c test is crucial for managing diabetes. Unlike daily blood sugar tests that offer a snapshot of sugar levels at a specific time, HbA1c provides a broader view, showing how well blood sugar levels have been maintained over weeks and months. It can help doctors prescribe or adjust medications and recommend lifestyle changes as needed to manage blood sugar more effectively.
For people without diabetes, the test can also indicate the risk of developing diabetes, prompting proactive lifestyle changes. Understanding your HbA1c level can empower you to take control of your health by guiding decisions around diet, exercise, and other lifestyle factors.
An ABG (arterial blood gas) test measures levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and acidity in the blood to assess lung and kidney function.
Absence from work is when an employee is not present during scheduled working hours due to various reasons like illness or personal commitments.
Acetaminophen is a common medication used to relieve pain and reduce fever, often found in over-the-counter and prescription products.
Acne is a common skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, leading to pimples and other lesions.
Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) is a serious heart condition where blood flow to the heart is suddenly reduced, requiring immediate medical attention.
"Acute" refers to a medical condition that appears suddenly and resolves over a short time.
Acyclovir is a medication used to treat infections caused by certain viruses like herpes and shingles, reducing the severity and duration of symptoms.
Adalimumab is a medication used to treat inflammatory conditions by reducing inflammation through targeting specific proteins in the body.
Addiction is a compulsive engagement with substances or behaviors that negatively impact one's life.
Addison's disease is a rare condition leading to insufficient hormone production by the adrenal glands, causing symptoms like fatigue and low blood pressure.
ADHD is a common condition affecting attention, impulse control, and activity level, characterized by symptoms like distractibility, impulsivity, and restlessness.
ADL (activities of daily living) refers to essential daily self-care tasks, crucial for maintaining independence and well-being.
The adrenal glands are small, triangle-shaped organs on top of the kidneys that produce hormones essential for stress response, metabolism, and blood pressure regulation.
Adrenaline (epinephrine) is a hormone and medication that helps the body respond to stress and is used in medical emergencies, like severe allergic reactions.
An allergen is a substance that can trigger an allergic reaction in certain people.
Allergies are the immune system's overreaction to typically harmless substances such as pollen or certain foods, causing symptoms from sneezing to potential severe reactions.
An allergist is a medical specialist who diagnoses and treats allergies and related immune system reactions.
An allergy is an immune system response to a harmless substance, mistakenly identified as a threat.
ALP (alkaline phosphatase) is an enzyme found in the body that helps in protein breakdown, with its levels indicating liver and bone health.
Alprazolam is a medication used to treat anxiety and panic disorders by calming the brain through its effects on natural chemicals in the body.
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