what does a a1c test for

The A1C test, also known as the hemoglobin A1C or HbA1c test, is a blood test that measures your average blood sugar (glucose) 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 assess how well your blood sugar is controlled over time.
• Estimating average glucose levels: The test provides an estimated average glucose (eAG) in mg/dL, which correlates with your A1C percentage.

This test is different from daily blood sugar checks, as it provides a long-term view of blood sugar control rather than a single moment's reading.