What Is an HbA1c Blood Test?
HbA1c measures the percentage of hemoglobin with glucose attached, reflecting 3-month average glucose.
Ranges
- Normal: below 5.7%
- Prediabetes: 5.7–6.4%
- Diabetes: 6.5%+
- Goal for diabetics: below 7.0%
Why Gold Standard
- No fasting required
- Not affected by recent meals
- Correlates with complication risk
Limitations
- Anemia affects results
- Hemoglobinopathies
- Pregnancy
- Kidney disease
Testing Frequency
- Screening: every 3 years from 35
- Prediabetes: annually
- Diabetes stable: every 6 months
- Uncontrolled: every 3 months
Source: American Diabetes Association, AACC.
Ratings summarize government-reported measures — they don't capture your personal needs. Visit the facility, ask about staffing and services, and use CMS checklists. This profile is informational only and is not a recommendation.
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