what is hemoglobin a1c test for

The Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) test is a blood test used to measure your average blood sugar 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 Glucose: The test provides an estimated average glucose (eAG) level, which correlates with your A1C percentage.

This test is different from daily blood sugar checks, as it gives a broader picture of long-term glucose control.