What is A1C?

The A1C test, also known as the haemoglobin A1C or HbA1C test, is a blood test used to measure the average level of blood sugar (glucose) over the past 2-3 months. The A1C test is often used to diagnose and monitor diabetes and prediabetes, as well as to assess a person’s risk of developing diabetes-related complications.

The A1C test works by measuring the amount of a type of haemoglobin called glycated haemoglobin (HbA1C) in the blood. When glucose levels in the blood are high, glucose molecules can attach to the haemoglobin in the red blood cells, forming glycated haemoglobin. The amount of glycated haemoglobin in the blood reflects the average level of blood sugar over the past 2-3 months.

The A1C test is a useful tool for managing diabetes because it provides a long-term view of blood sugar control. It is usually done every 3-6 months in people with diabetes, and the goal is to keep the A1C level as close to normal (below 5.7%) as possible to reduce the risk of complications.

Haemoglobin is used in A1C testing. Haemoglobin is the component of red blood cells that transports oxygen throughout the body. When there is glucose in the blood, it binds to haemoglobin. This is known as glycation. The higher the concentration of glucose in your blood, the more it sticks. It can stay there for three months, which is about how long the average red blood cell lives.

The A1C test determines the amount of glucose that has been linked to haemoglobin on average throughout time. The A1C test provides more information about blood sugar than a single blood sugar test since it examines glucose levels throughout time.