what does a a1c test for
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Community Answer
Answered by Dr. Emily Carter, MD
The A1C test, also known as the hemoglobin A1C or HbA1c test, is a blood test that measures your average blood sugar (glucose) levels over the past 2 to 3 months. It is primarily used for:
- Diagnosing prediabetes and diabetes:
- Normal: Below 5.7%
- Prediabetes: 5.7% to 6.4%
- Diabetes: 6.5% or higher
- Monitoring diabetes management: It helps assess how well your blood sugar is controlled over time.
- Estimating average glucose levels: The test provides an estimated average glucose (eAG) in mg/dL, which correlates with your A1C percentage.
This test is different from daily blood sugar checks, as it provides a long-term view of blood sugar control rather than a single moment's reading.