For People of African, Mediterranean, or Southeast Asian
Heritage: Important Information about Diabetes Blood Tests On
this page: - What are some common hemoglobin variants? - What is
the A1C test? - How do hemoglobin variants affect the A1C test
and my diabetes care? - How will I know whether I have a
hemoglobin variant? - Where can my health care provider find
more information about hemoglobin variants and the A1C test? -
How can I know if my diabetes is well-controlled if I have a
hemoglobin variant? - Points to Remember - Hope through Research
- Pronunciation Guide - For More Information - For More
Information about Sickle Cell Trait and Other Blood Conditions
If you are of African, Mediterranean, or Southeast Asian
heritage, you could have a form of hemoglobin* in your red blood
cells that affects your diabetes care. Hemoglobin in red blood
cells gives blood its red color and carries oxygen from your
lungs to all parts of your body. Some forms of hemoglobin can
cause false results for a diabetes blood te