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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffThe A1C test is a common blood test used to diagnose type 1 and type 2 diabetes and then to gauge how well you're managing your diabetes. The A1C test goes by many other names, including glycated hemoglobin, glycosylated hemoglobin, hemoglobin A1C and HbA1c.
The A1C test result reflects your average blood sugar level for the past two to three months. Specifically, the A1C test measures what percentage of your hemoglobin — a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen — is coated with sugar (glycated). The higher your A1C level, the poorer your blood sugar control. And if you have previously diagnosed diabetes, the higher the A1C level, the higher your risk of diabetes complications.
- A1c and eAG. American Association for Clinical Chemistry. http://www.labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/a1c/test.html. Accessed May 6, 2010
- A1C test. American Diabetes Association. http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/treatment-and-care/blood-glucose-control/a1c/. Accessed May 6, 2010.
- McCulloch D. Screening for diabetes mellitus. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 6, 2010.
- McCulloch D. Estimation of blood glucose control in diabetes mellitus. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 6, 2010.
- For people of African, Mediterranean, or Southeast Asian heritage: Important information about diabetes blood tests. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/traitA1C/index.htm. Accessed May 6, 2010.
- Nathan DM, et al. International Expert Committee report on the role of the A1C assay in the diagnosis of diabetes. Diabetes Care. 2009;32:1327.
- Standards of medical care in diabetes — 2011. Diabetes Care. 2011;34(suppl):1.
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