What Is a Hemoglobin A1C Test?
A hemoglobin A1C test is an overall view of how blood sugar levels are controlled or out of control in people with diabetes. The test is also abbreviated as HgA1C, and the results show your doctor, on average, what your blood sugar levels have been for the past 2 to 3 months. A hemoglobin A1C test is an important blood test for anyone diagnosed with diabetes. A hemoglobin A1C test tells your doctor how well your medications, diet and exercise plan are working to keep blood sugar levels under control.
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Features
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A hemoglobin A1C test, also called glycated hemoglobin or HbA1C test, reveals a bigger picture than does daily blood sugar testing. Hemoglobin in the blood carries oxygen and binds to glucose. The test finds how much glucose in the body has been circulating and binding to hemoglobin.
Benefits
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It is recommended that you have a hemoglobin A1C test when your doctor discovers you are diabetic. Checking hemoglobin A1C levels every 6 months is the minimum recommendation and every 3 months during medication adjustment to provide a closer look at how to manage high blood sugar levels associated with diabetes.
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Potential
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Diabetics should work closely with their health care providers to understand and maintain a regular schedule to test hemoglobin A1C. Even though diabetics keep a daily blood sugar log, measuring glycated hemoglobin provides an additional resource for diabetics concerned about controlling blood sugar levels through optimized therapy. A hemoglobin A1C test does not replace daily blood sugar monitoring with a glucometer. Both are important.
Expert Insight
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A recent study from Tel Aviv University shows that diabetics who keep hemoglobin A1C levels under control have less risk of developing dementia. According to the results, lower hemoglobin A1C levels can keep memory intact in addition to preventing other well-researched complications of diabetes, including kidney disease, heart disease and stroke.
Considerations
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Other health problems can interfere with a hemoglobin A1C test. People who experience anemia have less hemoglobin in the body, which makes the test inaccurate. High-cholesterol levels and the use of vitamin C or vitamin E supplements can also interfere with accurate test results. The presence of liver or kidney disease can also interfere with the accuracy of the hemoglobin A1C test.
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