GLYCOSYLATED HAEMOGLOBIN (Hb A1c)

The HbA1C test is a common blood test used to diagnose type 1 and type 2 diabetes and to monitor how well you're managing your diabetes. The HbA1C test goes by many other names, including glycated hemoglobin, glycosylated hemoglobin, hemoglobin A1C and HbA1c.

The HbA1C test result reflects your average blood sugar level for the past three months. Specifically, the HbA1C test measures what percentage of your hemoglobin — a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen — is coated with sugar (glycated). The higher yourHbA1C level, the poorer your blood sugar control and the higher your risk of diabetes complications.

The HbA1C test measures your average blood sugar level for the past three months. The results of your HbA1C test can help your doctor:

• Identify 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 administered on different days — either two HbA1C tests or the HbA1C test plus another diabetes blood test.
• Monitor your diabetes treatment plan. The results of your initial HbA1C test(s) also help establish your baseline HbA1C level. The HbA1C test is then repeated on a regular basis to monitor your diabetes treatment plan. It measures your average blood sugar level for the past three months and can show how well your diabetes treatment plan is working to lower your blood sugar over time.

How often you need the HbA1C test depends on the type of diabetes you have, your treatment plan and how well you're managing your blood sugar. For example, the HbA1C test may be recommended:

• Once every year if you have prediabetes
• Twice a year if you have type 2 diabetes, you don't use insulin and your blood sugar level is consistently within your target range
• Four times a year if you have type 1 diabetes
• Four times a year if you have type 2 diabetes, you use insulin to manage your diabetes or you 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.

HbA1C test results are reported as a percentage. A higher HbA1C percentage corresponds to higher average blood sugar levels. The higher yourHbA1C level, the higher your risk of developing diabetes or complications of diabetes.