what is aic blood test

The A1C blood test, also known as the hemoglobin A1C or HbA1c test, is a common blood test used to measure your average blood sugar (glucose) levels over the past 2 to 3 months. It is primarily used to:

• Diagnose prediabetes and diabetes:
  • Normal: Below 5.7%
  • Prediabetes: 5.7% to 6.4%
  • Diabetes: 6.5% or higher
• Monitor diabetes management: For people with diabetes, it helps assess how well their blood sugar is being controlled over time.

The test works by measuring the percentage of hemoglobin (a protein in red blood cells) that has glucose attached to it. Since red blood cells regenerate every 3 months, the A1C test provides a long-term view of blood sugar levels.

Key Points:

• No fasting is required for the A1C test.
• It is often used alongside other tests, such as fasting blood glucose or oral glucose tolerance tests, for a comprehensive diagnosis.
• The A1C test is not suitable for diagnosing type 1 diabetes or gestational diabetes.

For more details, visit the CDC's A1C Test page.