what is hba1c on a blood test

The HbA1c test, also known as the hemoglobin A1c or glycated hemoglobin test, is a blood test that measures your average blood sugar (glucose) levels over the past 2 to 3 months. Here's how it works:

• What it measures: The test measures the percentage of your red blood cells that have glucose attached to hemoglobin, a protein in your blood.
• Why it's important: It helps diagnose prediabetes and diabetes, and monitors how well your diabetes is being managed.
• Normal ranges:
  • Normal: Below 5.7%
  • Prediabetes: 5.7% to 6.4%
  • Diabetes: 6.5% or higher

This test is different from daily blood sugar checks, which only provide a snapshot of your glucose levels at a single point in time.