A1c test for diabetes

What is the A1c test for diabetes?

When you have high levels of blood sugars in the body for long periods, the sugar will attach its self to the hemoglobin. Now doctors can measure the amount of sugar bound to the hemoglobin. It gives an idea how long you have had high levels of glucose. When you have high levels of A1c, it means your blood sugars have not been well controlled and you are at risk for developing complications of diabetes. Levels of A1c are usually measured twice a year to monitor how your blood sugars are responding to treatment. 

There  is no workup prior to the test- just give some blood and within an hour you will have the result. In general, the A1c should be less than 6% in healthy people and in well-controlled diabetics, it may be between 6-7%. Higher than 7.5% is not good.