what does a1c level mean

The A1C level, also known as the hemoglobin A1C or HbA1c test, measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 2 to 3 months. It provides a broader picture of your blood sugar control compared to daily glucose tests, which only show a snapshot of your blood sugar at a single point in time.

Key Points:

• Normal A1C: Below 5.7%
• Prediabetes: 5.7% to 6.4%
• Diabetes: 6.5% or above

How It Works:

• Glucose in your blood attaches to hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells.
• The A1C test measures the percentage of red blood cells that have glucose-coated hemoglobin.
• Since red blood cells regenerate every 3 months, the A1C test reflects your average blood sugar over that period.

Why It Matters:

• Diagnosis: Used to diagnose prediabetes and diabetes.
• Monitoring: Helps track how well you’re managing your diabetes over time.
• Goals: For most people with diabetes, the target A1C is below 7%, but your doctor may set a different goal based on your health.

Factors Affecting A1C Accuracy:

• Conditions like anemia, kidney failure, or certain medications can affect results.
• Always discuss any unusual results with your healthcare provider.