What does the Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) - HbA1c blood test mean? Get a free analysis of your blood test now. Here's what you get with our free analysis:
The Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) test measures the average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months. It does this by assessing the percentage of glycated hemoglobin in the blood. Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen, and when glucose attaches to it, it becomes 'glycated'. This test is crucial for diagnosing and monitoring diabetes, as it provides a longer-term view of blood sugar control compared to daily glucose tests. It's particularly useful for assessing the risk of diabetes complications and the effectiveness of diabetes management strategies. The test is recommended for all adults over 45, or earlier for those with risk factors for diabetes.
A HbA1c level below 4.0% is unusually low and rare. It might indicate:
Low HbA1c doesn’t necessarily indicate a health problem, but it’s important to investigate the cause, especially if the person has diabetes or is at risk for it.
A HbA1c level above 6.5% is generally used to diagnose diabetes. Higher levels indicate:
The higher the HbA1c, the greater the risk of complications. Immediate medical attention and possible treatment adjustments are necessary.