what is hemoglobin a1c means

Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) 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.

• How it works: Glucose in your blood attaches to hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells. The A1C test measures the percentage of hemoglobin that is coated with glucose.
• Normal Range: Below 5.7%
• Prediabetes Range: 5.7% to 6.4%
• Diabetes Range: 6.5% or higher

This test is important because it provides a long-term view of blood sugar control, unlike daily glucose checks which only show a snapshot of your current levels.