What has your blood sugar been up to lately? Get an A1C test to find out your average levels—important to know if you’re at risk for prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, or if you’re managing diabetes.
The A1C test—also known as the hemoglobin A1C or HbA1c test—is a simple blood test that measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 3 months. It’s one of the most commonly used tests to diagnose prediabetes and diabetes and is also the main test to help you and your healthcare team manage your diabetes. Higher A1C levels are linked to diabetes complications, so reaching and maintaining your individual A1C goal is really important if you have diabetes.
Why Is The A1C Test Done
The results of an A1C test can help your doctor or other healthcare provider:
- Diagnose prediabetes. If you have prediabetes, you have a higher risk of developing diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
- Diagnose type 1 and type 2 diabetes. To confirm a diabetes diagnosis, your doctor will likely look at the results of two blood tests given on different days — either two A1C tests or the A1C test plus another test, such as a fasting or random blood sugar test.
- Monitor your diabetes treatment plan. The result of an initial A1C test also helps establish your baseline A1C level. The test is then repeated regularly to monitor your diabetes treatment plan.
How often you need the A1C test depends on the type of diabetes, your treatment plan, how well you’re meeting treatment goals and your primary care doctor’s clinical judgment. For example, the A1C test may be recommended:
- Once every year if you have prediabetes
- Twice a year if you don’t use insulin and your blood sugar level is consistently within your target range
- Four times a year if you take insulin or have trouble keeping your blood sugar level within your target range
You may need more-frequent A1C tests if your doctor changes your diabetes treatment plan or you begin taking a new diabetes medication.