It shows your average blood sugar levels for the past two to three months.
This is a broader test thanconventional home glucose monitoring, which measures your blood sugar at any given moment.
When there’s glucose in your bloodstream, it can stick (glycate) to hemoglobin A. Hemoglobin with glucose attached to it is called A1C.
Illustration by Emily Roberts, Verywell
Thus, having a 7% A1C means that 7% of your hemoglobin proteins are glycated.
Your healthcare provider may order an A1C test for the following reasons.
The A1C test can help monitor for this condition.
Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
If your test results are normal, you should repeat testing at least every three years.
This test measures your blood sugar level when your blood is taken.
you’ve got the option to also just push or roll up a long sleeve instead.
Food and Drink
There are no fasting requirements for this test.
The same goes for the random plasma glucose test.
Cost and Health Insurance
The A1C test is fairly inexpensive.
You may have to pay a co-pay or co-insurance.
Contact your health insurance company if you have any questions or concerns.
Have your insurance and identification cards handy.
Other Considerations
You may have heard ofA1C tests you could do at home.
Talk to your healthcare provider about this if you have questions.
The receptionist or nurse will let you know.
Be sure to let the technician know if you have a history of feeling faint or actuallyfaintingduring medical procedures.
The results will be determined right there at your healthcare provider’s office or lab.
If you aren’t feeling well, you may need to stay for a few minutes to recover first.
As soon as you are up to it, you might leave.
If it lasts longer or gets worse, call your healthcare provider.
In general, the higher your A1C, the higher your risk of developing complications from diabetes.
Be open and honest with your healthcare provider about factors that can affect your A1C.
They will determine what goal is best for you.
Estimated Average Glucose
Some labs report your estimated average glucose (eAG).
This is your two- to three-month average glucose level reflected in mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter).
For example, an average blood glucose of 154 mg/dL translates into an A1C of about 7%.
Skewed Results
Most people have one key in of hemoglobin: hemoglobin A. it’s possible for you to also ask for this test if you are concerned about this.
What happens next will depend on why you had the A1C test, as well as your results.
You may have it more often, depending on the initial results and your other risk factors.
Your healthcare provider will talk with you about how often you need this test.
Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
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