a 1 c blood test

The A1C test, also known as the hemoglobin A1C or HbA1c test, is a blood test used to measure your average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. It is commonly used to diagnose prediabetes and diabetes, as well as to monitor how well your diabetes is being managed.

Key Points:

• What it measures: The percentage of red blood cells that have sugar-coated hemoglobin.
• Normal range: Below 5.7%
• Prediabetes range: 5.7% to 6.4%
• Diabetes range: 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 hemoglobin that is coated with sugar.
• Red blood cells regenerate every 3 months, so the test reflects your average blood sugar levels over that period.

When to get tested:

• Recommended for adults over 45, or younger if you have risk factors like obesity or a family history of diabetes.

Things to know:

• No fasting is required for the A1C test.
• Certain conditions (e.g., anemia, kidney disease) can affect the accuracy of the results.

For more details, consult your healthcare provider or visit CDC's A1C Test page.