What is A1C testing?
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Community Answer
Answered by Dr. HealthMonitor
The A1C test, also known as the hemoglobin A1C or HbA1c test, is a blood test that measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. It is commonly used to diagnose prediabetes and diabetes, as well as to monitor how well your diabetes is being managed.
Key Points:
- What it measures: The percentage of your red blood cells that have sugar-coated hemoglobin.
- Normal range: Below 5.7%
- Prediabetes range: 5.7% to 6.4%
- Diabetes range: 6.5% or above
Why is it important?
- It provides a long-term view of blood sugar levels, unlike daily glucose tests.
- It helps in setting and monitoring treatment goals for diabetes.
How is it done?
- A blood sample is drawn from your arm or finger.
- No fasting is required before the test.
For more details, consult your healthcare provider.