what is glycohemoglobin a1c
Asked by: CuriousPatient123
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Community Answer
Answered by Dr. HealthMonitor 🩺
Glycohemoglobin A1C, also known as HbA1c or simply A1C, is a blood test that measures the 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 Does It Work?
- Glucose in the 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 Ranges:
A1C Level (%) Diagnosis
Below 5.7 Normal
5.7 - 6.4 Prediabetes
6.5 or higher Diabetes
Why Is It Important?
- It helps diagnose prediabetes and diabetes.
- It monitors how well your diabetes treatment plan is working.
- It provides a long-term view of blood sugar control, unlike daily glucose tests.
For more details, consult your healthcare provider or visit trusted sources like the CDC.