HbA1c is an important lab test used to determine how well your blood sugar levels are controlled. Also called as hemoglobin A1C or glycated hemoglobin test, it shows the average level of blood glucose in the body over a period of 120 days. This is generally performed in combination with self-care measures of blood sugar monitoring for making changes with respect to diabetes medications.   

The test measures the average amount of blood sugar present in form of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). In case of uncontrolled diabetes, the blood sugar levels in the body builds up which in turn combines with hemoglobin thereby becoming glycated. The normal range of HbA1C for people without diabetes is between 4% - 5.6%. While hemoglobin A1C levels ranging between 5.7% - 6.4% signifies higher risk of diabetes and levels higher than 6.5% indicate diabetes.

In case your HbA1c level stays high for a longer period of time, the chances of other health complications like heart disease, kidney disease, nerve damage and eye disease increases. It is a simple blood test can be either done at a lab (blood is drawn from a vein) or through finger stick method that can be done at your home or under doctor’s supervision.

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