what is a hbalc blood test

The HbA1c blood test, also known as the hemoglobin A1c 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 is coated with sugar. Since red blood cells regenerate every 3 months, the test provides a long-term view of blood sugar levels.

Key Points:

• No fasting is required for this test.
• It is often used alongside other tests like fasting blood glucose or oral glucose tolerance tests for a comprehensive diagnosis.
• Factors like anemia, kidney disease, or certain medications can affect the accuracy of the results.

For more details, consult your healthcare provider.