what does a1c indicate

The A1C test, also known as the hemoglobin A1C or HbA1c test, measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 2 to 3 months. It provides a broader picture of blood sugar control compared to daily glucose tests, which only show a snapshot of your blood sugar at a single point in time.

Key Points:

• Normal A1C: Below 5.7%
• Prediabetes: 5.7% to 6.4%
• Diabetes: 6.5% or above

What A1C Indicates:

• Diagnosis: A1C is used to diagnose prediabetes and diabetes.
• Management: For people with diabetes, A1C helps monitor how well blood sugar is being controlled over time.
• Risk Assessment: Higher A1C levels are associated with an increased risk of diabetes complications, such as heart disease, kidney damage, and nerve damage.

Factors Affecting A1C Accuracy:

• Certain conditions like anemia, kidney disease, or blood disorders can affect A1C results.
• Medications and blood transfusions may also influence the accuracy of the test.

For more detailed information, consult your healthcare provider.