what does hemoglobin a1c test for

The Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) test is a blood test that measures your average blood sugar (glucose) levels over the past 2 to 3 months. It is primarily used for:

• Diagnosing Prediabetes and Diabetes:
  • Normal: Below 5.7%
  • Prediabetes: 5.7% to 6.4%
  • Diabetes: 6.5% or above
• Monitoring Diabetes Management: It helps assess how well your diabetes treatment plan is working.
• Estimating Average Blood Sugar: The test provides an estimated average glucose (eAG) level, which correlates with your A1C percentage.

How It Works:

• Glucose in your blood attaches to hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells.
• The A1C test measures the percentage of hemoglobin coated with glucose.
• Since red blood cells regenerate every 3 months, the test reflects your average blood sugar over that period.

Key Notes:

• The A1C test does not require fasting.
• It is not used to diagnose type 1 diabetes or gestational diabetes.
• Certain conditions (e.g., anemia, kidney disease) can affect A1C accuracy.