what is hemoglobin a1c in a blood test

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 commonly used to diagnose and monitor diabetes and prediabetes. Here’s how it works:

• What it measures: The test measures the percentage of hemoglobin (a protein in red blood cells) that is coated with sugar (glycated hemoglobin).
• Why it’s important: Unlike daily blood sugar tests, which provide a snapshot of your glucose levels at a single moment, the A1C test gives a broader picture of how well your blood sugar is managed over time.
• Normal ranges:
  • Normal: Below 5.7%
  • Prediabetes: 5.7% to 6.4%
  • Diabetes: 6.5% or higher

This test is a key tool for managing diabetes and assessing the risk of complications.