Understanding HbA1c: The 3-Month Sugar Test
Why this test is crucial for managing diabetes
The HbA1c test measures the amount of blood sugar (glucose) attached to hemoglobin over the past three months. It is the gold standard for monitoring diabetes control.
Why is it important?
Unlike a fasting blood sugar test which only shows your sugar level at that exact moment, the HbA1c provides a long-term average. An HbA1c below 5.7% is considered normal, 5.7% to 6.4% indicates prediabetes, and 6.5% or higher indicates diabetes.