what is a hba1c level
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Community Answer
Answered by Dr. HealthMetrics
The HbA1c level (Hemoglobin A1c) is a blood test that measures your average blood sugar (glucose) levels over the past 2 to 3 months. It is commonly used to diagnose and monitor diabetes and prediabetes.
Key Points:
- Normal: Below 5.7%
- Prediabetes: 5.7% to 6.4%
- Diabetes: 6.5% or above
The test works by measuring the percentage of hemoglobin (a protein in red blood cells) that is coated with sugar. Since red blood cells regenerate every 3 months, the HbA1c test provides a long-term view of blood sugar control.
Why It's Important:
- It helps diagnose diabetes and prediabetes.
- It monitors how well diabetes is being managed over time.
- It can estimate your average blood sugar levels (e.g., an HbA1c of 7% corresponds to an average blood sugar of 154 mg/dL).
For more details, visit CDC's A1C Test Guide.