what is a1c level
Asked by: GlucoseWatcher
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Community Answer
Answered by Dr. SugarSense 🩺
The A1C level (also known as HbA1c or hemoglobin A1C) is a blood test that measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. It is expressed as a percentage and is used to diagnose and monitor diabetes and prediabetes.
A1C Ranges:
- Normal: Below 5.7%
- Prediabetes: 5.7% to 6.4%
- Diabetes: 6.5% or higher
How It Works:
- The test measures the percentage of red blood cells that have sugar-coated hemoglobin.
- Red blood cells regenerate every 3 months, so the A1C test reflects your blood sugar control over that period.
Why It’s Important:
- It helps diagnose diabetes and prediabetes.
- It monitors how well your diabetes treatment plan is working.
- It provides a long-term view of blood sugar management, unlike daily glucose tests.
For more details, visit CDC's A1C Test Guide.