what is an hba1c blood test

The HbA1c blood test, also known as the A1C test or glycated hemoglobin test, is a common blood test used to measure your average blood sugar (glucose) levels over the past 2 to 3 months. Here’s how it works:

• What it measures: The test measures the percentage of hemoglobin (a protein in red blood cells) that has glucose attached to it. The higher your blood sugar levels, the more glucose attaches to hemoglobin.
• Why it’s important: It’s used to diagnose prediabetes and diabetes, as well as to monitor how well your diabetes is being managed over time.
• Normal ranges:
  • Normal: Below 5.7%
  • Prediabetes: 5.7% to 6.4%
  • Diabetes: 6.5% or higher

This test is particularly useful because it provides a long-term view of blood sugar levels, unlike daily glucose checks, which only show a snapshot of your current levels.