The A1C test is a simple blood test to find out how well a patient with diabetes has controlled their blood sugar over the past three months.
Over time, patients and doctors can use A1C results to compare test results and better understand the results of their diabetes care plan.
What does the A1C test measure?
The A1C test measures a patient's average blood sugar level over the past three months to see if it is close to normal or too high. For each one-percentage reductted complications. ion in A1C, there is a 25 percent reduction in diabetes-rela
What is a normal hemoglobin A1C score?
A score of less than six percent is typical among patients without diabetes. The higher the value above normal, the greater the risk for diabetes-related complications including blindness, kidney disease and nerve damage.
Where is this test administered?
Physicians and other health care providers can administer this simple blood test.
Why is the A1C test important?
The A1C is the best test to predict the risk for the development of serious diabetes-related complications. Because a high glucose (blood sugar) level over time increases a patient's risk for these complications, it is important to keep an accurate measure of a patient's A1C level.
Why is home glucose monitoring important?
In addition to monitoring A1C, it is also important to monitor glucose levels at home as it allows patients, as well as physicians and other health care providers, to better adjust nutrition, exercise, and medication to achieve optimal diabetes control.
