What is the A1C test and what does it measure?

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 to 3 months. It does this by measuring the percentage of your red blood cells that have sugar-coated hemoglobin.

• Normal A1C: Below 5.7%
• Prediabetes: 5.7% to 6.4%
• Diabetes: 6.5% or above

The A1C test is used to diagnose prediabetes and diabetes, as well as to monitor how well your diabetes is being managed over time. It provides a more comprehensive picture of blood sugar control compared to daily blood sugar checks, which only show a snapshot of your levels at a single point in time.