A1C Test

An A1C test also known as the Glycated Hemoglobin test is an effective tool for determining how well a person is managing his blood glucose level. This test is different from the fasting blood glucose test which measures only the blood glucose level at any given moment. An A1C test indicates the average blood glucose level over the past 2-3 months.

Principle of the A1C Test

Some of the glucose present in the blood gets attached to hemoglobin, the oxygen carrying protein in the red blood cells. This hemoglobin is called Glycated Hemoglobin. The A1C test measures the percentage of hemoglobin which is glycated.

Interpretation of the A1C test report

The normal range of A1C values may vary somewhat among the labs across the country. So before interpreting the results, this has to be borne in mind. The test is interpreted like the following

• 4%-6% – The normal levels in people without diabetes
• >7% – Poorly controlled blood glucose
• < 7% is the typical goal for most people with diabetes

Though less than 7% is the preferred target, the doctor may recommend a level under 6% especially when the patient is pregnant.

How often should the A1C test be done?

If the medications for diabetes are recently changed or if the person is not meeting the desired blood glucose levels the doctor may order for A1C test every three months. If the patient is able to control his blood glucose level and meet the treatment goals, an A1C test is recommended at least twice a year.

The benefits of A1C test

An A1C test can help a diabetic patient in many ways. If the patient is not able to maintain the desired blood glucose level and the doctor decides to prescribe a medication or allow more time for the patient to improve his diet or exercise plan, the test may help. The doctor may advise you to increase the amount of time the patient exercises for two to three months and may ask the patient to repeat the A1C test again. If the test shows an improved reading, then the increased exercise is all that the patient need to control his blood glucose level and the doctor may not prescribe any medication for the control of glucose.

In addition, the test is a way to alert the diabetic patient and the doctor to potential problems. If the patient had normal A1C readings for several months or years and suddenly has an abnormal reading, it is a sign that the treatment plan needs a change including more frequent blood glucose testing.

Results of A1C test also indicate the patient’s risk of developing complications from diabetes – the higher the value, the greater the risk.