what a1c stands for
Asked by: CuriousPatient123
Community Answer
Answered by Dr. Emily 🩺
A1C stands for Hemoglobin A1C, also known as HbA1c or glycated hemoglobin. 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 hemoglobin (a protein in red blood cells) that is coated with sugar (glucose).
- Normal A1C: Below 5.7%
- Prediabetes: 5.7% to 6.4%
- Diabetes: 6.5% or above
The A1C test is commonly used to diagnose prediabetes and diabetes, as well as to monitor how well you are managing your blood sugar levels if you have diabetes.