While a simple blood glucose test can reveal immediate glucose levels, a hemoglobin A1C test provides a better picture of your average blood glucose during the past few months. Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) evaluates long-term blood sugar control and is one of the leading theories of aging. Serum glucose reacts with important proteins in the body rendering them nonfunctional in a process called glycation. Hemoglobin A1C is a reflection of this detrimental reaction. Doctors often follow this blood test in diabetics to monitor disease progression and the effects of treatment.

Healthy HbA1C level to be <5.5.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is now recommending the use of a new term in diabetes management, estimated average glucose, or eAG. The A1C-Derived Average Glucose (ADAG) Study1 defined the relationship between A1C and eAG, and how eAG can be used to help improve the discussion of glucose control with patients. Health care providers can now report A1C results to patients using the same unit of measurement (mg/dl) that patients see routinely in blood glucose tests by converting A1C to eAG using a simple formula (28.7 X A1C – 46.7 = eAG).

Instructions

Fasting is not required for this test. Take all medications as prescribed.