what is hba1c blood test

The HbA1c blood test, also known as the A1C test or glycated hemoglobin test, is a common blood test used to measure your average blood sugar (glucose) levels over the past 2 to 3 months. It is a key tool for diagnosing and managing diabetes and prediabetes.

How It Works:

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

A1C Results:

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

Why It’s Important:

• It helps diagnose diabetes and prediabetes.
• It monitors how well your diabetes treatment plan is working.
• It provides a long-term view of blood sugar control, unlike daily glucose checks.

Preparation:

• No fasting is required for the A1C test.
• It can be done at a doctor’s office or lab with a simple blood draw.

For more details, visit CDC's A1C Test Guide.