how far back does a1c measure
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Community Answer
Answered by Dr. Emily Carter, MD
The A1C test measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 2 to 3 months. This is because red blood cells, which carry hemoglobin, have a lifespan of about 3 months. The test calculates the percentage of hemoglobin that has glucose attached to it, providing a long-term view of blood sugar control.
- Normal A1C: Below 5.7%
- Prediabetes: 5.7% to 6.4%
- Diabetes: 6.5% or above
This test is particularly useful for diagnosing and monitoring diabetes and prediabetes.