A1C test

A blood sample is needed. Two methods are available: Blood drawn from a vein. This is done at a lab. Finger stick. This can be done in your health care provider's office. Or, you may be prescribed a kit that you can use at home. Results by finger stick may differ slightly from blood drawn from a vein, but in most…

No special preparation is needed. The food you have recently eaten does not affect the A1C test, so you do not need to fast to prepare for this blood test.

With a finger stick, you may feel slight pain. With blood drawn from a vein, you may feel a slight pinch or some stinging when the needle is inserted. Afterward, there may be some throbbing or a slight bruise. This soon goes away.

Your provider may order this test if you have diabetes . It shows how well you are controlling your diabetes. The test may also be used to screen for diabetes. Ask your provider how often you should have your A1C level tested. Usually, for people with diabetes, testing every 3 or 6 months is recommended.

The following are the results when A1C is being used to diagnose diabetes: Normal (no diabetes): Less than 5.7% Pre-diabetes: 5.7% to 6.4% Diabetes: 6.5% or higher If you have diabetes, you and your provider will discuss the ideal range for you, which may vary based on your age. For many people, the goal is to keep…

An abnormal result means that you have had a high blood sugar level over a period of weeks to months. If your A1C is 6.5% or higher and you do not already have diabetes, you may be diagnosed with diabetes. If your level is above 7% and you have diabetes, it often means that your blood sugar is not as well controlled…

There is little risk involved with having your blood taken. Veins and arteries vary in size from one person to another and from one side of the body to the other. Taking blood from some people may be more difficult than from others. Other risks of having blood drawn are slight, but may include: Excessive bleeding…

American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee. 6. Glycemic Goals and Hypoglycemia: Standards of Care in Diabetes-2024. Diabetes Care . 2024;47(Suppl 1):S111-S125. PMID: 38078586 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38078586/ . Chernecky CC, Berger BJ. Glycosylated hemoglobin (GHb, glycohemoglobin, glycated…