Glucose (a sugar the body uses for energy) binds to hemoglobin, creating glycated hemoglobin compounds. The higher your blood glucose level, the more glucose attaches to the hemoglobin.

Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c): A form of hemoglobin that is chemically linked to glucose; it is used as a marker to assess average blood sugar levels over a period of time. Hemoglobin: A protein in ...