The A1C test is a blood test that tells a

persons average levels of blood sugar over

the past 3 months. The A1C test is the primary
test used for diabetes control. Diabetes is
known as a group of diseases characterized by
high blood sugar levels that result from defects
in the bodys ability to produce and/or use
insulin.
How the A1C Test Works?
The A1C test is based on measuring how
much glucose that your body doesnt store or
use for energy stays in blood and attaches to
red blood cells. Because the red blood cells in
our body keep producing and dying all the
time, and they usually can live for about 3
months. This is why the A1C test can reflect
the average of your blood sugar levels in the
past 3 months.
The A1C test can be used to diagnose
type 2 diabetes and prediabetes, alone or in
combination with other diabetes tests.
The A1C test is an easier test compare
with the other blood sugar tests because it
does not need fasting and blood can be drawn
during any time of the day.
What is Normal?
The A1C test result is reported as a
percentage. And a high percentage means a
persons blood sugar levels are high in the past
3 months. A normal A1C level is below 5.7
percent. An A1C range between 5.7 to 6.4
percent is prediabetes which means people fall
in this range are likely to develop type 2
diabetes within 10 years. 6.5 percent or higher
means diabetes.
Some studies have shown that by
keeping their A1C levels below 7 percent,
people with diabetes can reduce their risk
of getting diabetes complications.
However, different people have different
A1C targets depending on their diabetes
history and general health. People should
talk to their health care provider to decide
what A1C target level they should have.
How Often Should I Get the Test?
People who are meeting treatment
goals and have stable blood sugar levels
are recommended to have the A1C test
twice a year.
What Else I Need to Know?
For pregnant women, the health care
providers may still use the A1C test as a
tool to see if there is undiscovered
diabetes before they are pregnant.
The A1C test sometimes can be
unreliable for diagnosing or monitoring
diabetes in people with certain conditions
that are known to interfere with the results.

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The A1C Test and Diabetes
The A1C Test and Diabetes