what does a1c stand for in diabetes

A1C stands for Hemoglobin A1C, also known as HbA1c. It is a blood test that measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 2 to 3 months. The test works by measuring the percentage of your red blood cells that have sugar-coated hemoglobin. This test is commonly used to diagnose prediabetes and diabetes, as well as to monitor how well your diabetes is being managed.

• Normal A1C: Below 5.7%
• Prediabetes: 5.7% to 6.4%
• Diabetes: 6.5% or above

The A1C test is a key tool in diabetes care, but it should be used alongside regular blood sugar monitoring for a complete picture of your glucose control.