Is A1C blood sugar?

The A1C test measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. It is not the same as a single blood sugar reading, which provides a snapshot of your glucose level at a specific moment. Here’s how it works:

• What it measures: The A1C test calculates the percentage of hemoglobin (a protein in red blood cells) that is coated with sugar (glycated hemoglobin).
• Why it’s important: It helps diagnose prediabetes, diabetes, and monitor how well your diabetes is managed.
• Normal ranges:
  • Normal: Below 5.7%
  • Prediabetes: 5.7% to 6.4%
  • Diabetes: 6.5% or higher

While A1C reflects long-term blood sugar control, it does not replace daily blood sugar monitoring, which is essential for managing diabetes day-to-day.