what does the hba1c measure
Asked by: CuriousPatient
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Community Answer
Answered by Dr. SugarSense 🩺
The HbA1c (Hemoglobin A1c) test measures your average blood sugar (glucose) levels over the past 2 to 3 months. Here's how it works:
- Hemoglobin: A protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen.
- Glucose Attachment: When sugar enters your bloodstream, it attaches to hemoglobin.
- Glycated Hemoglobin: The more glucose in your blood, the more hemoglobin gets coated with sugar (glycated).
- Measurement: The HbA1c test calculates the percentage of your red blood cells that have sugar-coated hemoglobin.
This test is used to:
- Diagnose prediabetes and diabetes.
- Monitor how well your diabetes is being managed over time.
Key Ranges:
HbA1c Level Diagnosis
Below 5.7% Normal
5.7%–6.4% Prediabetes
6.5% or above Diabetes
For people with diabetes, the goal is typically to keep HbA1c levels below 7% to reduce the risk of complications.