ANSWERS: 1
  • An A1C is a blood test used to detect pre-diabetes and type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The test also aids in management of diabetes by alerting doctors to changes in blood sugar readings.

    Other Names

    Other names for the A1C test include hemoglobin A1C, glycated hemoglobin, HBA1A, glycohemoglobin and glycosylated hemoglobin.

    Function

    The A1C test measures blood sugar levels over a two- to three-month period.

    Time Frame

    An A1C test is done twice a year for type 2 diabetics who do not take insulin, four times a year for type 2 diabetics who do take insulin and three or four times a year for people who have type 1 diabetes.

    Results

    A normal A1C level for non-diabetics is between 4 and 6 percent. Diabetics should keep an A1C level below 7 percent; the closer to normal readings the better.

    Considerations

    Sickle cell hemoglobin or other hemoglobin variants, anemia, heavy bleeding problems or low iron levels in the blood can cause inaccurate results in A1C tests.

    Source:

    Lab Tests Online

    Mayo Clinic

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