what is a1c level mean

The A1C level, also known as HbA1c or glycated hemoglobin, is a measure of your average blood sugar levels over the past 2 to 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 above

How It Works:

• Glucose in your blood attaches to hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells.
• The A1C test measures the percentage of red blood cells that have glucose-coated hemoglobin.
• Since red blood cells regenerate every 3 months, the A1C test reflects your average blood sugar levels over that period.

Why It Matters:

• It helps diagnose diabetes and prediabetes.
• It monitors how well your diabetes treatment plan is working.
• Higher A1C levels are linked to an increased risk of diabetes complications.

For more detailed information, you can visit the CDC's A1C Test page.