What is a hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) test?A hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) test is a blood test that shows what your average blood sugar (glucose) level was over the past two to three months. Show Glucose is a type of sugar in your blood that comes from the foods you eat. Your cells use glucose for energy. A hormone called insulin helps glucose get into your cells. If you have diabetes your body doesn't make enough insulin, or your cells don't use it well. As a result, glucose can't get into your cells, so your blood sugar levels increase. Glucose in your blood sticks to hemoglobin, a protein in your red blood cells. As your blood glucose levels increase, more of your hemoglobin will be coated with glucose. An A1C test measures the percentage of your red blood cells that have glucose-coated hemoglobin. An A1C test can show your average glucose level for the past three months because:
High A1C levels are a sign of high blood glucose from diabetes. Diabetes can cause serious health problems, including heart disease, kidney disease, and nerve damage. But with treatment and lifestyle changes, you can control your blood glucose levels. Other names: HbA1C, A1C, glycohemoglobin, glycated hemoglobin, glycosylated hemoglobin What is it used for?An A1C test may be used to screen for or diagnose:
If you have diabetes or prediabetes, an A1C test can help monitor your condition and check how well you've been able to control your blood sugar levels. Why do I need an HbA1C test?The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends A1C testing for diabetes and prediabetes if:
You may also need an A1C test if you have symptoms of diabetes, such as:
What happens during an A1C test?A health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes. Will I need to do anything to prepare for the test?You don't need any special preparations for an A1C test. Are there any risks to the test?There is very little risk to having a blood test. You may have slight pain or bruising at the spot where the needle was put in, but most symptoms go away quickly. What do the results mean?A1C results tell you what percentage of your hemoglobin is coated with glucose. The percent ranges are just a guide to what is normal. What's normal for you depends on your health, age, and other factors. Ask your provider what A1C percentage is healthy for you. To diagnose diabetes or prediabetes, the percentages commonly used are:
Providers often use more than one test to diagnose diabetes. So, if your test result was higher than normal, you may have another A1C test or a different type of diabetes test, usually either a fasting blood glucose test or an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). If your A1C test was done to monitor your diabetes, talk with your provider about what your test results mean. Learn more about laboratory tests, reference ranges, and understanding results. Is there anything else I need to know about an HbA1C test?The A1C test is not used to diagnose gestational diabetes or type 1 diabetes. Also, if you have a condition that affects your red blood cells, such as anemia or another type of blood disorder, an A1C test may not be accurate for diagnosing diabetes. Kidney failure and liver disease can also affect A1C results. In these cases, your provider may recommend different tests to diagnose diabetes and prediabetes. References
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