what does a1c mean in medical terms
Asked by: CuriousPatient123
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Community Answer
Answered by Dr. Emily Carter, MD 🩺
In medical terms, A1C (also known as HbA1c or glycated hemoglobin) is a blood test that measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 2 to 3 months. It is commonly used to diagnose and monitor diabetes and prediabetes.
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How it works: Glucose in your blood attaches to hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells. The A1C test measures the percentage of hemoglobin that is coated with sugar. Since red blood cells regenerate every 3 months, this test provides a long-term view of blood sugar control.
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Normal Range:
- Normal: Below 5.7%
- Prediabetes: 5.7% to 6.4%
- Diabetes: 6.5% or higher
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Purpose: The A1C test helps healthcare providers assess how well diabetes is being managed and whether treatment plans need adjustment.