what does a1c tell you

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. Here's what it tells you:

• Diagnosis of Diabetes or Prediabetes:
  • Normal: Below 5.7%
  • Prediabetes: 5.7% to 6.4%
  • Diabetes: 6.5% or above
• Management of Diabetes: If you have diabetes, the A1C test helps monitor how well your blood sugar is controlled over time.
• Estimated Average Glucose (eAG): The A1C percentage can be converted into an estimated average glucose level (e.g., an A1C of 7% equals an eAG of 154 mg/dL).

This test is particularly useful because it provides a long-term view of blood sugar levels, unlike daily glucose checks, which only show a snapshot of your current levels.