Normal A1C Levels
If you are diabetic, your doctor will most likely test your A1C levels approximately every three months. An A1C test is a blood test that shows your average blood sugar level over the past two to three months. It is a tool for measuring how well your blood sugar is being controlled. The test is also called glycated hemoglobin, glycosylated hemoglobin and HbA1c.
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The Facts
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For diabetics, the goal is to keep blood glucose levels as close to normal as possible. Chronically elevated blood glucose can lead to serious complications, such as damage to the cardiovascular system, nerves, kidneys and eyes. By monitoring blood sugar levels over a period of months, you and your doctor can see whether you are successfully keeping your diabetes under control.
The Test
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Specifically, the A1C test checks what percentage of hemoglobin is glycated, or coated with sugar. If you have Type 2 diabetes that does not require insulin, and your blood sugar is consistently under control, the test is usually taken twice a year. If you have Type 1 diabetes, the test will probably be taken three to four times a year. When someone is first diagnosed with diabetes or if diabetes is not being successfully controlled, an A1C test may be ordered more frequently.
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Use in Diagnosis
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According to the Mayo Clinic, an international committee that includes members from the American Diabetes Association, the International Diabetes Federation and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes recommended in June 2009 that the A1C be used to diagnose both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, as well as prediabetes. After diagnosis, this test is used to monitor success of treatment.
Test Results
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A1C is reported as a percentage. The normal range for A1C levels for non-diabetics is 4%-6%. An A1C of 6.5% or higher on two separate occasions indicates diabetes, and between 6% and 6.5% indicates prediabetes. Diabetics should aim to keep the A1C level below 7%. As the A1C level increases, so does the risk of complications. If you have had uncontrolled diabetes for a long period of time, your A1C level may rise to as high as 25%.
Considerations
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The A1C test does not reflect daily fluctuations or swings of blood glucose. Test results may be inaccurate if you have sickle cell hemoglobin or anemia. If you are iron deficient, your A1C level may increase. A recent transfusion will also cause the A1C level to be falsely elevated.
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