what is diabetes a1c
Asked by: CuriousPatient
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Community Answer
Answered by Dr. SugarSense 🩺
The A1C test, also known as the hemoglobin A1C or HbA1c test, is a blood test used to diagnose and monitor diabetes and prediabetes. It measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. Here’s how it works:
- What it measures: The A1C test measures the percentage of your red blood cells that have sugar-coated hemoglobin. Higher blood sugar levels result in more sugar attaching to hemoglobin.
- Diagnosis ranges:
- Normal: Below 5.7%
- Prediabetes: 5.7% to 6.4%
- Diabetes: 6.5% or above
- Why it’s important: The A1C test provides a long-term view of blood sugar control, unlike daily glucose checks, which only show a snapshot.
For people with diabetes, the goal is typically to keep A1C levels below 7%, though this may vary based on individual health factors.