WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: What is a hemoglobin A1c (A1c) test and why do I need one? An A1c is a blood test that measures your average blood sugar level for the past 2 to 3 months. It is also called HbA1c or a glycohemoglobin test. An A1c test can help diagnose prediabetes or diabetes. It can also tell you how well your diabetes plan is working. A1c testing can help your healthcare provider make changes to your treatment plan. These changes can help improve or control your blood sugar levels. Good control of your blood sugar levels can decrease your risk for problems caused by diabetes. Examples include heart attack, stroke, blindness, kidney disease, and neuropathy (nerve problems). What increases my risk for diabetes? You may need an A1c test if you have any of the following risk factors for diabetes: - Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome
- A first degree relative with diabetes such as, a parent, a brother, sister, or child
- Being overweight
- Lack of exercise or activity
- History of gestational diabetes and poor nutrition while pregnant
Who should get an A1c test? Your healthcare provider will tell you how often you need to be tested. The following people may need an A1c test: - Anyone previously diagnosed with diabetes
- Adults who are overweight and have 1 or more risk factors for diabetes
- Adults 45 years of age or older
- Children 10 to 18 years who are overweight and have 2 or more risk factors for diabetes
- Anyone with signs or symptoms of diabetes such as increased thirst, slow-healing infections, or increased urination
What do the results of an A1c test mean? The results are measured in percentages. - A nondiabetic person will have an A1c that is 5.6% or lower.
- You may be at risk for diabetes if your A1c is 5.7 to 6.4%. This is also called prediabetes.
- You may be diagnosed with diabetes if your A1c is 6.5% or higher.
- If you currently have diabetes in good control, your A1c goal may be 7% or lower. Your healthcare provider will decide what your goal should be. This decision is based on your diabetes history and other medical conditions.
How should I prepare for the test? You do not need to do anything to prepare for the test. Wear a shirt that is shorts-sleeved or loose to the test. This will make it easier to draw your blood. Other tests may be needed to diagnose or monitor diabetes if you have certain conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following: - Iron-deficiency or B12-deficiency anemia
- Cystic fibrosis
- Recent heavy blood loss or a blood transfusion
- Recent erythropoietin therapy
- Sickle cell disease or thalassemia
- Kidney failure or liver disease
What will happen after the test? Schedule a follow-up appointment with your healthcare provider to talk about your test results. - If your A1c is lower than your goal , your medicines may be changed.
- If your A1c is at your goal, you may not need any changes to your diabetes treatment plan.
- If your A1c is higher than your goal , you may need changes to your medicines, eating plan, or exercise plan.
What else should I know about an A1c test? - An estimated Average Glucose (eAG) may be reported with your A1c results. This number represents your average blood glucose level over the past 2 to 3 months. For example, if your A1c is 6% your eAG is 126 mg/dl. Ask your healthcare provider how to calculate your eAG if it is not reported with your A1c results.
- You are at risk for having an uncommon type of hemoglobin if you are African, Mediterranean, or Southeast Asian. Having this type of hemoglobin can affect your A1c test results. Tell your healthcare provider if you come from any of these backgrounds. You may need to have your A1c sent to a lab with certain equipment. This will help make sure your results are accurate.
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