how to test a1c
Asked by: HealthCurious
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Community Answer
Answered by Dr. SugarSense 🩺
The A1C test, also known as the hemoglobin A1C or HbA1c test, is a simple blood test that measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. Here’s how it works:
- Procedure: A healthcare professional will draw a blood sample from your arm or finger. No fasting is required before the test.
- Frequency:
- If you’re over 45 or have risk factors for diabetes, you should get tested.
- If your results are normal, retesting is recommended every 3 years.
- If you have prediabetes, retest every 1-2 years.
- If you have diabetes, test at least twice a year or as recommended by your doctor.
- Results:
- Normal: Below 5.7%
- Prediabetes: 5.7% to 6.4%
- Diabetes: 6.5% or above
For more details, visit CDC's A1C Test Guide.