Answer :
Final answer:
The HbA1c test is critical for diabetes management, with a target level of less than 7%. Insulin and glucagon regulate blood glucose levels, maintaining them within a normal range. The mnemonic's correct response related to diabetes control is D) 12; Regulation.
Explanation:
The HbA1c or hemoglobin A1c test is essential for monitoring blood glucose levels and maintaining diabetes management. A normal level for HbA1c is less than 7%, while levels above 9% indicate poor control and levels over 12% are a sign of very poor control. Particularly, HbA1c levels close to 7% reduce the risk of complications affecting the eyes, kidneys, and nerves.
Insulin and glucagon are integral to the homeostatic regulation of blood glucose levels. Insulin helps lower blood glucose when it's high, while glucagon acts to increase it when it's low, maintaining a balance within the normal range of 70 to 110 mg/dL. For diabetes diagnosis after fasting for at least 12 hours, a blood glucose level above 125 mg/dL is indicative of diabetes, while a level between 100 and 125 suggests prediabetes.
Responding to the mnemonic in the question: '8 and above out of control. "<7 no regret, 8 see the gate" (of heaven)', the best answer would be D) 12; Regulation.
