Which term refers to the average blood-sugar levels for the previous 2 to 3 months?

The correct answer is HbA1C. This term specifically refers to a common blood test that provides an average of a person’s blood sugar levels over the past two to three months. It measures the percentage of hemoglobin in the blood that is coated with sugar. This test is crucial for managing diabetes as it gives healthcare providers insight into how well blood glucose levels have been controlled over time, beyond just immediate readings.

In contrast, glucose tolerance typically assesses how well the body processes glucose using a timed test, which does not reflect long-term blood sugar averages. Fasting blood glucose measures the blood sugar level at a single point in time after fasting, offering a snapshot rather than a historical average. Serum glucose refers to the amount of glucose present in the serum and is also a point-in-time measurement rather than a long-term average. Therefore, HbA1C is the most appropriate term for understanding average blood-sugar levels over an extended period.