Everything you need to know about A1c Blood Test For Diabetes

What’s on this article ?

• A1c Test Target
• Definition of A1c Blood Test
• Why A1c Test is important for diagnosing diabetes
• How Often Do You Need the Hba1c Test
• A1c Levels

Do You Know Your A1c Target?

An A1c test is key if you have diabetes or if your doctor thinks you might have a chance of getting it. It’s a common blood test that gives information about your blood sugar.

What Is an A1c Test?

It’s the main way to find out if someone has diabetes and how they’re managing it. You might hear it called the hemoglobin A1c, HbA1c, or glycohemoglobin test.

The A1c measures your average blood sugar — your doctor may call it blood glucose — over the past 2 to 3 months. The results tell you how well your diabetes treatment plan is working or if you have diabetes.

‏Why A1c Blood Test is Important؟ 

‏The A1c measures how much of your hemoglobin is coated with sugar. The higher your level, the greater your chance for problems down the road. That means your blood sugar control plan isn’t working at its best.

‏How Often Do You Need the Hba1c Test?

Your doctor probably will have you take the A1c test as soon as you’re diagnosed with diabetes. You’ll also have the test if your doctor thinks you may get diabetes. The test will set a baseline level so you can see how well you’re controlling your blood sugar.

How often you’ll need the test after that depends on several factors, like

* The type of diabetes you have

* Your blood sugar control

* Your treatment plans

• Once a Year: if you have prediabetes, which means you have a strong chance of developing diabetes.
• Twice Each Year: if you have type 2 diabetes, don’t use insulin, and your blood sugar level is usually in your target range.
• Three of Four Times a Year: if you have type 1 diabetes.
• Four Tests Per Year: if you have type 2 diabetes and use insulin or have trouble keeping your blood sugar level in your target range.

You may also need the test more often if your diabetes plan changes or you start a new medicine.

What Does Your A1c Number Mean? 

A1c normal ranges and levels for people with and without Diabetes 

You will get your results back as a percentage. In summary, People without diabetes should be below 5.7%

A result between 5.7% and 6.4% signals prediabetes. For people with diabetes, an A1c of 7% or less is a common treatment target. Someone who has had untreated diabetes for a long time might have a level above 8%. If you have diabetes and your level is above your target, your doctor may change your treatment plan to get your level down.