The A1C Test

Your doctor performs the A1C test to check your average blood sugar (glucose) levels. This blood test (also called an HbA1c test or Hemoglobin A1c) measures the amount of glucose attached to your red blood cells.

How the A1C Test Works

In your bloodstream, sugar attaches to your red blood cells. The more sugar in your blood and the longer the level remains high, the more sugar attaches to the red blood cells. The A1C test measures the amount of sugar. By doing this, it gives you an overall "snapshot" of how well your blood sugar control has been for the past 2-3 months.

Recommended A1C Levels

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) suggests working toward a goal of an A1C level below 7%. The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) encourages even tighter control. The AACE recommends a target A1C of less than or equal to 6.5%.

Why Are Your A1C Scores Important?

Keeping your levels under control over time may reduce the risk of developing long-term diabetes-related complications. Your doctor will work with you to decide what your goals should be.

According to a 2008 statement of consensus between the ADA and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes, when A1C levels are above or equal to 7%, a change of treatment should be initiated with the goal of achieving an A1C level of less than 7%.

If your A1C levels are above 7%, it may be time to ask you doctor if insulin would be beneficial to you.

The A1C and Daily Checking

It's important to use both the A1C test and daily checking to track your blood sugar levels. These test results give you and your healthcare team an overall picture of your blood sugar control. And together they will help you and your doctor determine if your diabetes care plan is working well. Both these results are tools that can give you the information you need to make decisions about your treatment needs.