In the blood, glucose binds irreversibly to hemoglobin molecules within red blood cells. The amount of glucose that is bound to hemoglobin is directly tied to the concentration of glucose in the blood. Since red blood cells have a lifespan of approximately 90 days, measuring the amount of glucose bound to hemoglobin can provide an assessment of average blood sugar control during the 60 to 90 days prior to the test. This is the purpose of the glycated hemoglobin tests, most commonly the hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) measurement.

Since the test results give feedback on the previous two to three months, getting an HbA1c test done every three months will give you good data on your average blood sugars. If you get an HbA1c every six months, you'll miss out on three months worth of information that could help you manage your diabetes.

For more on how often you should have your A1C checked, and what those results mean, visit What is A1C?