what does your a1c measure
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Community Answer
Answered by Dr. Emily Carter, MD
The A1C test, also known as the hemoglobin A1C or HbA1c test, measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 2 to 3 months. Here's how it works:
- What it measures: The A1C test measures the percentage of your red blood cells that have sugar-coated hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein in your red blood cells that carries oxygen. When sugar enters your bloodstream, it attaches to hemoglobin.
- Why it's important: Unlike daily blood sugar tests, which provide a snapshot of your blood sugar at a single point in time, the A1C test gives a broader picture of your blood sugar control over time.
- Normal ranges:
- Normal: Below 5.7%
- Prediabetes: 5.7% to 6.4%
- Diabetes: 6.5% or above
This test is crucial for diagnosing prediabetes and diabetes, as well as monitoring how well your diabetes is being managed.