what is the meaning of hba1c in blood test

HbA1c, or Hemoglobin A1c, is a blood test that measures your average blood sugar (glucose) levels over the past 2 to 3 months. It is also known as the A1C test or glycated hemoglobin test. Here’s what it means:

• How it works: Glucose in your blood attaches to hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells. The HbA1c test measures the percentage of hemoglobin that is coated with sugar.
• Why it’s important: It helps diagnose prediabetes and diabetes, and monitors how well you are managing your blood sugar if you have diabetes.
• Normal ranges:
  • Normal: Below 5.7%
  • Prediabetes: 5.7% to 6.4%
  • Diabetes: 6.5% or higher

This test is crucial because it provides a long-term view of blood sugar control, unlike daily glucose tests that only show a snapshot of your levels at a single moment.