what is a hemoglobin a1c test for
Asked by: CuriousPatient123
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Community Answer
Answered by Dr. Emily Carter, MD 🩺
The Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) test is a blood test used to measure your average blood sugar 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 healthcare providers assess how well your diabetes treatment plan is working.
- Identifying Risk Factors: It can also be used to evaluate your risk of developing diabetes-related complications.
The test measures the percentage of hemoglobin (a protein in red blood cells) that is coated with sugar. Since red blood cells regenerate every 3 months, the A1C test provides a long-term view of blood sugar control.