Hba1c test means: Understand what the HbA1c blood

Understand what the HbA1c blood test means , why it matters, and when to get tested. Learn how it helps monitor blood sugar and diabetes management. A hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) test is a blood test that shows your average level of blood glucose , also called blood sugar, over the past two to three months. Glucose is a type of sugar in your blood that comes from the foods you eat. Testing HbA1c is standard for anyone at risk of diabetes or with diabetes. This allows you and your doctor to track your blood sugar trends over time to see if your average blood sugar levels are creeping up, and provides the opportunity to take steps to lower your blood sugar levels before you develop diabetes or if you have diabetes. Regular HbA1c tests can help you and your doctor determine if your current treatment is effective or needs adjustment. The A1C test —also known as the hemoglobin A1C or HbA1c test —is a simple blood test. Your A1C is used to diagnose prediabetes and diabetes, and monitor your progress. Find out more about the test, and your A1C goals. What does the A1C test measure? When you check your blood sugar at home, it's a snapshot of a single point in time.