Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1C) Blood Test

Glycated Hemoglobin A1C blood test reflects chronic blood glucose values, is routinely used in monitoring glycemic control.

For people without diabetes, the normal range for the hemoglobin A1c level is between 4% and 5.6%. Hemoglobin A1c levels between 5.7% and 6.4% mean you have prediabetes and a higher chance of getting diabetes. Levels of 6.5% or higher mean you have diabetes. Between 7.0 and 8.9: Uncontrolled diabetes. Over 9.0: Critically high.

Elevated level of HbA1c has been identified as a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and stroke in subjects who may have diabetes. It means that it’s time to reevaluate their eating habits and choose low-glycemic-index foods and avoiding foods with high sugar contents.

It's important to understand that lowering your A1C levels is a gradual process. Your A1C, unlike your finger-prick glucose test, measures your average blood sugar over a period of 2 to 3 months. That means it can take up to 3 months to notice significant changes in your A1C.