what is the hemoglobin a1c
Asked by: CuriousPatient123
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Community Answer
Answered by Dr. HealthMonitor 🩺
Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) 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. Here’s how it works:
- What it measures: The test measures the percentage of your red blood cells that have sugar-coated hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen.
- Why it’s important: Unlike daily blood sugar tests, which provide a snapshot of your glucose levels at a single point in time, the A1C test gives a broader picture of your blood sugar control over time.
- Normal ranges:
- Normal: Below 5.7%
- Prediabetes: 5.7% to 6.4%
- Diabetes: 6.5% or above
For people with diabetes, the goal is typically to keep the A1C level below 7%, though this may vary based on individual health conditions.