Hemoglobin A1C > Fact Sheets > Yale Medicine

Overview

More than 34 million Americans have diabetes, meaning their bodies either do not produce insulin or can’t use it properly. (Insulin is a hormone that helps the cells in our bodies take up glucose [sugar] in our blood, which we use for energy.)  

Over time uncontrolled diabetes can lead to a host of serious health issues, so it’s important for those with diabetes to keep their blood sugar levels in a healthy range—meaning it’s neither too low nor too high.  

A hemoglobin A1C test is a blood test that can provide information about average blood sugar levels. The test not only helps diabetes patients know if they are managing their blood sugar levels well; it also helps doctors provide a diagnosis of diabetes or pre-diabetes to those who are unaware they have the condition.  

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all adults ages 45 and older should receive a hemoglobin A1C test to assess their risk of pre-diabetes or diabetes. The test may also be administered to overweight people with diabetes risk factors who are younger than 45.
 

People of any age with diabetes risk factors whose test results are in the normal range should be tested again every three years. Those who are found to have pre-diabetes should be retested every one to two years.
 

Those diagnosed with diabetes during a screening hemoglobin A1C test should work with their doctors to manage the chronic condition. They’ll need to have their blood sugar levels checked with a hemoglobin A1C test every 3 to 6 months, depending on how well they’re able to control their diabetes.  

“The A1C test is a great way for physicians to get an initial sense of someone’s average glucose level over the three months before the test,” says Yale Medicine endocrinologist Raimund Herzog, MD, MHS. “In addition, it provides us with a great way to monitor treatment effects and progress over time.”

What is a hemoglobin A1C test?

Hemoglobin A1C is a blood test that provides doctors with information about a person’s blood sugar levels. Interestingly, although a patient may provide a blood sample on a single day, the A1C test doesn’t provide details about their blood sugar levels on that particular day. Rather, the test gives doctors insights into the overall state of their blood sugar levels during the three-month period leading up to the test. This is possible because red blood cells live for an average of three months.  

Red blood cells contain a protein called hemoglobin, which gives blood its red color. Hemoglobin is responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body, from the lungs to other organs and body parts. Another substance, blood sugar (glucose), which comes from food sources, also travels through the bloodstream.  

When blood sugar encounters red blood cells, it attaches itself to hemoglobin, where it remains. Once linked, glucose and hemoglobin become what’s called “glycated hemoglobin,” also known as A1C. The hemoglobin A1C test measures the percentage of red blood cells in the bloodstream that have glucose attached to hemoglobin.
 

Thus, the hemoglobin A1C test results show how much glycated hemoglobin has built up in a person’s bloodstream during the previous three months. A higher percentage of red blood cells containing glycated hemoglobin means that a person has higher levels of blood sugar in their bloodstream. For people with diabetes, this means the disease is not well-controlled. For those who have not been diagnosed before, this may mean that they have pre-diabetes or diabetes.  

All people have some glycated hemoglobin within their red blood cells, and a lower percentage is considered normal.

How do you take a hemoglobin A1C test?

People may have their blood drawn by a nurse at the doctor’s office or by a phlebotomist at a lab. It’s also possible to use an at-home finger prick test, but a blood draw by professionals is the preferred method for the hemoglobin A1C test. After the blood is drawn, a lab will determine the test results and share that information with doctors and patients.

What do A1C test results mean?

When A1C test results are:

• Lower than 5.7%, that is considered “normal”
• Between 5.7% and 6.4%, that indicates a diagnosis of pre-diabetes
• 6.5% or higher, a person has diabetes

Doctors recommend that people with diabetes should strive to keep their A1C levels below 7%. Together, doctors and patients may achieve this goal with a plan that includes dietary changes, weight loss, exercise, and/or medication.

How often should you have a hemoglobin A1C test?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all adults ages 45 and older should receive a hemoglobin A1C test to assess their risk of pre-diabetes or diabetes. The test may also be administered to overweight people with diabetes risk factors who are younger than 45.
 

People of any age with diabetes risk factors whose test results are in the normal range should be tested again every three years. If you are Those who are found to have pre-diabetes you should be retested every one to two years.
 

People who have been diagnosed with diabetes should receive a hemoglobin A1C test from their doctor on a recurring basis, two to four times per year. If your hemoglobin A1C test results are higher than they should be, your doctor can work with you to help achieve better control over your diabetes and to lower your blood sugar levels.

Is a hemoglobin A1C test better than other available blood sugar tests?

If you have diabetes, the A1C test is the best way to check your average blood sugar levels over a three-month period, to gauge whether or not you are managing your condition effectively.
 

There are other blood tests that may be used to diagnose pre-diabetes or diabetes, including:

• A fasting blood sugar test, for which you must fast overnight before having your blood drawn
• A glucose tolerance test, for which you must drink a sweet liquid containing glucose, then wait in the doctor’s office for a set time period before having your blood drawn
• A random blood sugar test, which doesn’t require any special preparation, but it only screens for diabetes.

Doctors may use one or more of these tests to diagnose pre-diabetes or diabetes. Although the A1C test is effective, people with certain health conditions may not get accurate results from it. Thus, another test should be used to confirm a diabetes or pre-diabetes diagnosis in those cases.
 

Hemoglobin A1C test results may not be accurate when people have health conditions such as:

• Sickle cell anemia
• Thalassemia
• Anemia
• Kidney failure
• Liver disease, including cirrhosis
• Enlarged spleen
• Blood transfusions
• Blood hemorrhage
• High triglyceride levels
• Organ transplantation
• Pregnancy
• Alcohol use disorder, also known as alcoholism
• Vitamin B12 deficiency
• Jaundice
• Inherited blood disorders, such as spherocytosis

Certain medications or dietary supplements may also affect the test, giving people inaccurate results. They include:

• Opioids
• Certain drugs that are used to treat HIV
• Iron supplements
• Vitamin C supplements

What are the risks associated with a hemoglobin A1C test?

To perform a hemoglobin A1C test, a sample of blood must be given, either by finger prick or simple blood draw. Very few risks are associated with these blood-sampling methods. A bit of short-lived pain from the needle pricking the skin is normal and expected. Some people may develop a bruise at the site where the needle was inserted.

What Is a Normal HbA1c by Age? | HbA1c Normal Range

Written on January 3, 2023 by Amy Harris, MS, RN, CNM. To give you technically accurate, evidence-based information, content published on the Everlywell blog is reviewed by credentialed professionals with expertise in medical and bioscience fields.

Table of contents

• What is the HbA1c test?
• What are normal HbA1c ranges?
• Why do normal HbA1c ranges vary by age?
• Controversy over updated HbA1c ranges for adults 65 years and older
• At what age should you check your HbA1C?
• Find out whether your HbA1c is normal for your age
• Related content

HbA1c is a “powerhouse” of a diagnostic test, according to the American Diabetes Association [1]. With more than 100 million U.S. adults living with diabetes and prediabetes, a powerhouse is just what the doctor ordered [2]. With just a single finger prick, the HbA1c test can screen for prediabetes, diagnose diabetes, and manage your diabetes treatment plan over time [1]. However, it turns out that factors such as your age, race, and other medical conditions, such as your pregnancy status, can all impact your HbA1c [3]. Learn more about the normal HbA1c by age to stay healthier and live longer (and consider an at-home HbA1c test).

Buy HbA1c Test

What is the HbA1c test?

The HbA1c blood test measures how much blood sugar is attached to your hemoglobin. A1C stands for glycated hemoglobin. Glycated hemoglobin is the medical term describing how your red blood cells (containing a protein called hemoglobin) become loaded up with sugar. As sugar circulates in your bloodstream (such as after eating), it sticks to the hemoglobin in your red blood cells. Sugar is sticky, and in your body, it stays attached to your hemoglobin for up to 3 months (the average lifespan of your red blood cells).

The more sugar in your bloodstream, the more red blood cells are covered with sugar molecules. The HbA1c test measures the percentage of the hemoglobin in your red blood cells covered in sugar. So the higher your average blood sugar level for the past three months, the higher the number of “sugary” red blood cells, and the higher your HbA1c test result.

Healthcare providers use HbA1c alone or in combination with other diabetes tests to diagnose prediabetes or type 2 diabetes.

What are normal HbA1c ranges?

For you sports statheads out there, the A1C test is like a baseball player’s season average — it tells you about a player’s overall success. However, your A1C does not tell you about your blood sugar for just one day, just like a player’s single-game batting record won’t tell you if they are a good player. For adults, healthcare providers use the following HbA1c target ranges [4]:

• A normal A1C level is below 5.7%
• Prediabetes is between 5.7 to 6. 4%
• Type 2 diabetes is above 6.5%
• The goal for most adults with diabetes is an A1C that is less than 7%

But, just as a younger, stronger baseball player may have a better season average than an 80-year-old grandfather with poor eyesight, HbA1cs vary greatly with age.

Why do normal HbA1c ranges vary by age?

Diabetes researchers and doctors are still not in agreement over why age makes it harder for people to maintain lower HbA1cs (or better overall diabetic control) [5]. More than likely, there are multiple factors, and as they say, “It’s complicated.”

Regarding the numbers, there’s no one-size-fits-all target for HgA1c. A1C target levels vary by each person’s age, race, and other factors, and your target may be different from someone else’s [3,5].

As you get older, your HbA1c increases [5]. This increase happens regardless of whether or not you have diabetes [6].

Age-Related A1C increase with non-diabetes [6]

Age in Years	HbA1c	Mmol	Mg/dL
20-39	6%	42. 1	126
40-59	6.1%	43.2	140
≥60 years	6.5%	47.5	160

Controversy over updated HbA1c ranges for adults 65 years and older

There is an ongoing debate among healthcare providers and diabetes researchers regarding how best to manage older people with diabetes. Adults aged 65 and older have many complex health conditions and represent a diverse patient population to which a single HbA1c target guideline does not always apply [7].

The American Diabetes Association, the American Geriatrics Society, and the International Diabetes Federation all adjusted their target HbA1c ranges for adults older than 65 and then further broke down target ranges by how healthy that senior is. They have increased their HbA1c target ranges up to 8.5 or even 9 for adult seniors greater than 65 years of age.

American diabetes association (ADA) guidelines for adults age 65 or older [8]

American geriatrics society guidelines for adults ≥ 65 years [9]

Health Category	HbA1c
Overall	7. 5-8.0%
Healthy/Few comorbidities	7.0-7.5%
Poor health	8.0-9.0%

International diabetes federation guidelines for adults ≥ 70 years [10]

In contrast, neither the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) nor the European Association for the Study of Diabetes has made age-specific adjustments for HbA1c based on age or health status.

There are several reasons behind the change advocated by the American Diabetes Association, American Geriatrics Society, and the International Diabetes Foundation. First, maintaining an HbA1c of 8% or 9% is much easier than achieving less than 7%. Maintaining less than 7% requires strict glycemic control, often with more potent medications.

The more medicine administered, especially in the elderly or otherwise sick people, the greater the risk of low sugar episodes (hypoglycemia). If severe, hypoglycemia in the elderly can lead to a change in mental status, seizures or loss of consciousness, heart problems, falls leading to fractures, and in some cases, death [8]. Tighter glycemic control (lower HgA1c levels) may come at a higher cost for senior patients.

Additionally, older adults have higher rates of unidentified cognitive impairment and dementia, making it harder to follow strict diabetic treatment plans with glucose monitoring and frequent insulin dose adjustment. Older adults with diabetes also have a greater risk of hypoglycemia than younger adults [8].

All clinical guidelines and research institutions do, however, agree that the management of diabetes, especially in the elderly, needs to be personalized [7-10]. Therefore, frequently monitoring your HbA1c, either with Everlywell’s at-home HbA1c test or with continuous glucose monitoring, is the best way to know how under control your diabetes actually is. In the meantime, more studies need to be done to understand the healthiest HBA1c ranges for the ever-growing number of seniors with diabetes.

At what age should you check your HbA1C?

The CDC recommends getting a baseline A1C test if you’re an adult over age 45 or are under 45, are overweight, and have one or more risk factors for prediabetes or type 2 diabetes [11]. You are at risk for diabetes if you [11]:

• Have prediabetes
• Are overweight
• Are 45 years or older
• Have a parent, brother, or sister with type 2 diabetes
• Are physically active less than three times a week
• Have ever had gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy) or given birth to a baby who weighed over 9 pounds
• Are an African American, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian, or Alaska Native; some Pacific Islanders and Asian American people are also at higher risk
• Have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Find out whether your HbA1c is normal for your age

Part of your wellness journey may be learning more about your risk for heart disease or diabetes. Maybe you have family members living with diabetes and are worried about your own risk. Perhaps you want to measure the impact of changes you made in your diet to lower your HbA1c. Everlywell can help you determine your metabolic wellness, using HbA1C. With our simple, quick, and convenient at-home HbA1c blood test, you can have your answers sooner rather than later.

We know that higher A1C levels are linked to more diabetes complications such as coronary heart disease and stroke [1,2]. HbA1c is the test of choice for diagnosing prediabetes and diabetes, monitoring, and managing diabetes. Knowing your HbA1c value will help you be better informed for your next healthcare appointment – more prepared to discuss your personalized diabetes prevention or treatment plan.

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Prediabetic range for HbA1c

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References

1. HbA1c. American Diabetes Association. URL. Updated 2022. Accessed December 22, 2022.
2. Diabetes and Prediabetes. CDC. URL. Updated September 2, 2022. Accessed December 22, 2022.
3. All About Your A1C. CDC. URL. Updated September 30, 2022. Accessed December 22, 2022.
4. A1C. MedlinePlus. URL. Updated December 22, 2015. Accessed December 22, 2022.
5. Dubowitz N, Xue W, Long Q, et al. Aging is associated with increased HbA1c levels, independently of glucose levels and insulin resistance, and also with decreased HbA1c diagnostic specificity. Diabet Med. 2014;31(8):927-935. doi:10.1111/dme.12459. URL.
6. Pani LN, Korenda L, Meigs JB, and Driver C et al. Effect of aging on A1C levels in individuals without diabetes: evidence from the Framingham Offspring Study and the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001–2004. Diabetes Care 2008;31(10):1991–1996. https://doi.org/10.2337/dc08-0577. URL.
7. Monami M, Vitale V, Lamanna C, et al. HbA1c levels and all-cause mortality in type 2 diabetic patients: epidemiological evidence of the need for personalised therapeutic targets. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis. 2013;23(4):300-306. doi:10.1016/j.numecd.2012.01.003. URL.
8. Rooney MR, Tang O, Echouffo Tcheugui JB, et al. American Diabetes Association framework for glycemic control in older adults: implications for risk of hospitalization and mortality. Diabetes Care. 2021;44(7):1524-1531. doi:10.2337/dc20-3045. URL.
9. American Geriatrics Society Expert Panel on Care of Older Adults with Diabetes Mellitus. Moreno G, Mangione CM, Kimbro L, et al. Guidelines abstracted from the American Geriatrics Society Guidelines for Improving the Care of Older Adults with Diabetes Mellitus: 2013 update. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2013;61(11):2020-2026. doi:10.1111/jgs.12514. URL.
10. Managing Older People With Type 2 Diabetes. International Diabetes Federation. URL. Updated March 5, 2017. Accessed December 22, 2022.
11. Diabetes Risk Factors. CDC. URL. Updated April 5, 2022. Accessed December 22, 2022.

Hba1c test cost | Vaidam Zdorovye

HbA1c usually means glycated hemoglobin. It is the form of hemoglobin after being attached to glucose units in the body. It is commonly used in people with diabetes because the HbA1c score is directly related to the risk of diabetes-related complications.

A1C is used to measure the amount of hemoglobin bound to glucose. Hemoglobin is present in red blood cells, which are responsible for transporting oxygen in the body. The average lifespan of hemoglobin cells is three months. Since normal fasting blood sugar may not always indicate the exact situation, therefore, it has now replaced HbA1C testing for the diagnosis and screening of prediabetes and diabetes.

How is it done?

HbA1c testing can be performed in the same way as any other blood test. A blood sample is taken from a finger or from a vein in the forearm. This blood is used to measure fasting plasma glucose levels.

Can HbA1c be wrong?

• HbA1c test results have not been very accurate in the past. Results will vary greatly depending on laboratory conditions. However, the National Glycohemoglobin Program was later developed to improve the accuracy of the tests. After following the guidelines, the results came in accurately and consistently.
• Accuracy is a relative term when it comes to A1C or blood glucose tests. There may be a 0.5 percent change in the actual value. For example, if your HbA1c is 6, the results may indicate a range of 5.5 to 6.5.
• In some cases, a blood glucose test shows that the patient has diabetes, but Hb1Ac levels are normal. In such cases, doctors must repeat the test to confirm the diagnosis.
• Sometimes there may be a false report caused by conditions such as kidney failure, liver disease, or severe anemia.
• In addition, people of African, Mediterranean, or Southeast Asian descent sometimes have a rare type of hemoglobin that can interfere with A1c tests.
• A drop in red blood cells can also lead to a change in HbA1c.

For further understanding of results, click here.

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What happens if HbA1c is high?

Uncontrolled diabetes may be associated with the following conditions:

• Kidney failure
• Nerve damage
• Cardiac disorders such as stroke
• Eye damage
• Numbness or tingling in the legs
• Delayed wound healing and infections

In case of type 2 diabetes, i.e. only at the initial stage, it can be significantly improved by lifestyle changes. However, if you are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, you will need regular insulin injections.

What is a normal HbA1c level?

• For a normal healthy person who does not have diabetes, HbA1C levels lie between 4% and 5. 6%.
• If levels exceed 5.6 to 6.4 percent, this indicates a high chance of developing diabetes.
• If HbA1c levels are greater than 6.5 percent or more, the patient has diabetes.

HbA1c values ​​can be used to indicate the status of a diabetic patient over a period of 3-4 months. This is because it doesn’t change often.

How can I quickly lower my HbA1c levels?

Because the normal Hba1 range is less than 7 percent. It is important to keep levels within the normal range. A healthy lifestyle is the main key to lowering HbA1c levels. By simply making the following changes, HbA1c levels can be reduced :

• Physical activity – It is important to exercise for at least 30 minutes a day, at least 5 days a week. The motive should be to increase your physical activity, which does not require formal exercise. You can walk, dance or play sports.
• Watch your diet – Diet plays an important role in maintaining sugar levels in the body. Eat more leafy vegetables, fruits, lean proteins for dinner. If you are taking any fats or complex carbohydrates such as potatoes, bread, etc., you must take a certain amount. It is very important to avoid processed and packaged foods as much as possible. It also includes canned drinks or juices containing artificial sweeteners. It is better to consult a nutritionist who will guide you according to the needs of your body.
• Follow a fixed routine – When it comes to proper diet, it is important to have a fixed time for each meal. Avoid skipping meals or overeating between meals. Talk to your doctor about the best time to eat and take your medications.
• Follow your treatment plan – Every patient has their own diabetes care plan. Treatment recommended by your doctor helps you take small steps towards curing your diabetes.
• Monitor your blood sugar regularly – Monitor your blood sugar regularly and plan your diet accordingly.

Is fasting required before an HbA1C test?

No. There is no need to fast before the test because the results do not fluctuate with or without food as it requires an average blood sugar level over 3 months or so.

Understanding the HbA1c 9 molecule0007

Let’s look at some details about HbA1c.

HbA1c or glycated hemoglobin is another form of hemoglobin that is attached to a sugar molecule. The presence of this sugar-Hb link directly indicates that there is an excess of sugar in the blood or that the person has diabetes. The process by which sugar binds to the hemoglobin molecule is known as glycation.

Hemoglobin is a protein molecule that consists of one globin and four hemes. Heme is composed of protoporphyrin IX and ferrous iron. The total body iron content is 0.338% with a molecular weight of 16.520.

Glycated hemoglobin is the most important measure for long-term analysis of blood sugar levels in diabetic patients. Since the average lifespan of red blood cells is approximately 4 months, the test values ​​are limited to a period of only three months. If the amount of glucose in the body is normal, this will result in a normal amount of glycated hemoglobin. An increase in plasma glucose levels leads to an increase in the production of glycated hemoglobin.

Can self-monitoring of blood glucose levels be replaced by an HbA1c test?

HbA1c is a critical test but cannot replace routine home monitoring. Self-monitoring includes regular checks on proper nutrition, exercise, medication, and stress management. HbA1c cannot provide you with exact values ​​as it provides an average value over a longer period of time. Both types of analysis give us different types of results. None of them can be replaced with each other.

HbA1c test cost in India

India is known as a medical center all over the world. Hundreds and thousands of people from all over the world choose to visit India to receive medical care. This is because the doctors here are highly qualified and have rich experience in their fields. Not only that, the infrastructure is well-equipped with world-class technology. These state-of-the-art technologies ensure that a medical condition is diagnosed with the utmost accuracy and that treatment is carried out with precision. Despite all this, the good news is that the prices for all types of surgery or radio imaging tests are much lower than in other countries.

The cost of HbA1c is about 500 – 1000 INR. The exact cost may vary depending on the type of city you’re being tested in, the doctor’s fees, the reputation of the hospital, the cost of living in the city, and many other factors.

How does Vaidam Health help you get the correct diagnosis and treatment in India?

As for international patients, everything is new and different as soon as they land in India. In such cases, it is important to have a guide that can help you plan your medical journey. That’s why a medical travel assistant company like Vaidam Health comes on the scene. Contacting a medical tourism company is a smart decision. They help arrange everything from low-cost treatment to travel and accommodation, including choosing the best doctors in India, assistance with money exchange matters, arranging language interpreters, etc. Vaidam Health is NABH (National Accreditation Council for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers) accredited and ISO certified.

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Last updated: December 20, 2022

Dr. Kavrin Arora

Dr. Kavrin studied medicine and has been actively studying medicine for several years practiced before deciding to share her knowledge through medical blogs and articles. Since then, Dr. Kavrin has written several articles about the latest advances in the treatment of various diseases, life expectancy, and the best hospitals and doctors around the country.

She is a keen observer and loves to keep up with new technologies. She is an avid reader and serious medical writer.

levels, normal range and more – Drink-Drink

People with diabetes used to depend on daily finger pricks to measure their blood sugar levels. These tests are accurate, but only for now – they are actually very limited as a general measure of blood sugar control.

This is because blood sugar levels can vary greatly depending on the time of day, activity level and even hormonal changes. Some people may have high blood sugar at 3am and be completely unaware of it. A1C tests became available at 1980s and quickly became an important tool in diabetes control.

A1C tests measure your average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months. So, even if you have high fasting blood sugar, your total blood sugar may be normal or vice versa. A normal fasting blood sugar level cannot rule out the possibility of type 2 diabetes.

That’s why A1C tests are now being used to diagnose and screen for prediabetes and diabetes. Since it does not require fasting, the test can be taken at any time as part of a complete blood count.

A1C test also known as hemoglobin A1c test or HbA1c test. Other names for the test include glycated hemoglobin test, glycosylated hemoglobin test, glycated hemoglobin test, or A1C.

What does the A1C test for diabetes measure?

A1C measures the amount of hemoglobin in the blood to which glucose is attached. Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen to the body. Hemoglobin cells are constantly dying and regenerating.

Their life expectancy is about 3 months. Glucose attaches (glycates) to hemoglobin, so the record of how much glucose is attached to your hemoglobin also lasts about 3 months. If too much glucose is attached to the hemoglobin cells, you will have high A1C levels. If the amount of glucose is normal, your A1C will be normal.

About A1C levels

In a person without diabetes, about 5 percent of hemoglobin is glycated. A normal A1C level is 5.6 percent or less, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. A level of 5.7 to 6.4 percent indicates prediabetes. People with diabetes have A1C levels of 6.5% or higher.

The American Diabetes Association provides a calculator that shows how A1C levels correlate with glucose levels. To monitor overall glucose control, people with diabetes should have their A1C tested at least twice a year.

More frequent measurements (for example, every 3 months) should be taken if:

• you have type 1 diabetes
• your medication is being adjusted
• you and your doctor set certain blood sugar targets
• you are pregnant

How does the A1C test for diabetes work?

The test is effective due to the longevity of hemoglobin cells. Let’s say you had a high blood glucose level last week or last month, but now it’s normal. Your hemoglobin will carry the “record” of last week’s high blood glucose in the form of more A1C in your blood.

Glucose added to hemoglobin in the last 3 months will still be registered by the test, since cells live for about 3 months. The A1C test provides an average blood sugar reading over the past 3 months. It’s not accurate for any particular day, but it gives your doctor a good idea of ​​how effective your blood sugar control has been over time.

What might affect your A1C results?

Anyone who has had diabetes for any length of time knows that A1C tests have not been reliable until recently. In the past, many different types of A1C tests gave different results depending on the lab that analyzed them. But the National Glycohemoglobin Standardization Program has helped improve the accuracy of these tests.

Manufacturers of A1C tests must now prove that their tests match those used in a large diabetes study. Accurate home test kits are also now available for purchase.

But accuracy is relative when it comes to A1C or even blood glucose tests. The A1C test result may be half a percentage point higher or lower than the actual percentage. This means that if your A1C is 6, this could indicate a range of 5.5 to 6.5.

Some people may have a blood glucose test that indicates diabetes, but their A1C is normal, or vice versa. Before confirming the diagnosis of diabetes, your doctor must repeat the test, which showed abnormalities, on another day. This is not necessary if you have overt symptoms of diabetes (increased thirst, urination, and weight loss) and an occasional blood sugar level of more than 200 mg/dl.

Some people may get false results if they have kidney failure, liver disease, or severe anemia. Ethnicity can also affect the test. People of African, Mediterranean, or Southeast Asian descent may have a less common type of hemoglobin that can interfere with some A1C tests. A1C may also be affected if RBC survival is reduced.

Who should take the A1C test for diabetes?

Adults over 45 must take the A1C test to get a baseline reading. People under 45 should be tested if they are overweight or have the following risk factors:

• Previous diagnosis of gestational diabetes
• Diagnosis of pre-diabetes
• Diagnosis of diabetes

What to do if the level is high

A high A1C level indicates uncontrolled diabetes, which is associated with an increased risk of the following conditions: 003

• cardiovascular diseases, such as stroke and heart attack
• kidney disease
• nerve damage
• eye damage that can lead to blindness
• numbness, tingling and lack of sensation in the legs due to nerve damage
• slow wound healing and infection

How to manage A1C levels

If you are in the early stages of type 2 diabetes, small lifestyle changes can make a big difference and even lead to remission of diabetes.