The A1C test is a standard examination technique used by doctors to examine a patient's blood glucose (sugar) levels over the last three months. The A1C test is used to diagnose diabetes of both kinds, prediabetic symptoms, and ascertain the procedure to be adopted to control diabetes. 

A1C test is often also called glyco-hemoglobin test, hbA1C, or glycated hemoglobin test. The test is based on Glucose that binds to the hemoglobin in Red Blood Corpuscles (RBC) and travels in the bloodstream. As the A1C test determines the Blood Sugar level for the past three months and not the instantaneous one, the examinees don't need to fast like conventional diabetes tests. However, most people who go for the A1C test seem to lack the understanding to comprehend what the results indeed mean.

How Do You Understand The Results of A1C? 

The A1C test results are depicted in the form of percentages entailing the amount of hemoglobin attached to Glucose. A higher percentage in the A1C test result means that more Glucose has bonded with hemoglobin.

As a diabetes patient, you should aim to get a lower percentage of A1C. But, don't worry. Your doctor will recommend you the lifestyle changes that are needed for leading a healthy life. 

You must take a look at the A1C chart for a better understanding. 

Any A1C test result below 5.7% is considered normal as it means that the blood sugar level is around or below the 120 md/dL mark, which is the benchmark for a healthy level of blood glucose. It should be your goal to keep the A1C level below 5.7%. 

If the A1C test yields a result in the range of 5.7% to 6.4%, it is construed as a prediabetes sign. A prediabetic patient should get the test done once a year. Since you are prone to getting diabetes, lead a healthy lifestyle and avoid starchy and sugary foods.

So, anything between 5.7 to 6.4 means that while the individual isn't necessarily suffering from diabetes, there are chances that he/she might be moving towards it. Such persons need to adopt specific preventive measures so that they do not become diabetic. The magical words are LIFESTYLE CHANGES. 

However, if the A1C test result comes to be 6.5% or above, it is considered diabetes. In most cases, a physician uses another test like Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) test to confirm diabetes.

If you are a diabetes patient, it is recommended to get the test done two to four times a year. In case you take insulin, it is best to get the test done four times a year. 

Results May Vary

In some cases, the A1C test shows a person to have diabetes, whereas the FPG or OGTT does not, and vice versa. It mostly happens with people who are in the early stage of diabetes. Also, there may be variations seen in two consecutive results for the same individual. That is because the blood glucose level of an individual keeps changing daily.

To negate those discrepancies, physicians suggest taking the test multiple times before ascertaining the presence or absence of diabetes and its extent.

Words from the Wise 

If an individual is diagnosed with diabetes, his/her first aim should be to keep the A1C level below 7% to minimize the risk of complications related to the disease. Once that goal is achieved, they should move on to bringing their A1C level as close to 5.7% as possible. Those whose results lie below the diabetic range should continue their regime while still being wary of excessive sugar intake.