What does hemoglobin A1C test for?

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 commonly used tests to diagnose prediabetes and diabetes, and is also the main test to help you and your health care team manage your diabetes.

What does Haemoglobin A1C level mean?

The hemoglobin A1c test tells you your average level of blood sugar over the past 2 to 3 months. It’s also called HbA1c, glycated hemoglobin test, and glycohemoglobin. It’s a lot like a baseball player’s season batting average.

What is a normal HbA1c?

HbA1c is your average blood glucose (sugar) levels for the last two to three months. If you have diabetes, an ideal HbA1c level is 48mmol/mol (6.5%) or below. If you’re at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, your target HbA1c level should be below 42mmol/mol (6%).

How can I get my A1C down quickly?

Since exercise prompts your muscles to take up sugar from your bloodstream, it helps your blood sugar levels drop more quickly after you eat a meal. As you make exercise a regular habit, you’ll see a downward trend in your A1c numbers. Never miss your meds. You can reliably lower your A1c through diet and exercise.

How to interpret your glycosylated hemoglobin results?

Schedule an appointment with your health-care provider to discuss the status of your health and request to have an A1C test done.

The A1C test does not require any special preparation.

Go to your scheduled appointment.

or schedule an appointment for a discussion with your doctor.

What can cause a high haemoglobin A1c test?

Both an increase of A1c hemoglobin — due to the presence of high blood sugar — or a decrease in total hemoglobin can make the A1c percentage higher. Certain types of anemia associated with decreased hemoglobin production or longer lifespan of red blood cells can elevate the proportion of hemoglobin present in the A1c form.

What are the methods used to determine hemoglobin A1c?

and quantify each component in a mixture.

Cation-Exchange HPLC.

Boronate affinity chromatography.

Capillary electrophoresis (CE) Capillary Electrophoresis (CE) separates Hb molecules based on charge and mass.

Immunoassays.

What not to eat before A1c test?

The blood test — known as the A1C test — has several important advantages over traditional blood glucose testing. Patients do not need to fast before the test is given, and it is far less likely to identify clinically irrelevant fluctuations in blood sugar because it measures average blood glucose levels over several months.