Glycohemoglobin (HbA1c, A1c)
Risks
Blood test
There is very little chance of a problem from having blood sample taken from a vein.
- You may get a small bruise at the site. You can lower the chance of bruising by keeping pressure on the site for several minutes.
- In rare cases, the vein may become swollen after the blood sample is taken. This problem is called phlebitis. A warm compress can be used several times a day to treat this.
- Ongoing bleeding can be a problem for people with bleeding disorders. Aspirin, warfarin (Coumadin), and other blood-thinning medicines can make bleeding more likely. If you have bleeding or clotting problems, or if you take blood-thinning medicine, tell your doctor before your blood sample is taken.
Results
Glycohemoglobin is a blood test that checks the amount of sugar (glucose) bound to hemoglobin. The result is shown as a percentage. The result of your A1c test can also be used to estimate your average blood sugar level. This is called your estimated average glucose, or eAG. Your A1c level may be reported without a total glycohemoglobin value. Your doctor will have your test results in 1 to 2 days.
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) criteria to diagnose diabetes includes the option of testing A1c. The diagnosis of diabetes needs to be confirmed by repeating the same blood sugar test or doing a different test on another day.
Normal
The normal values listed here-called a reference range-are just a guide. These ranges vary from lab to lab, and your lab may have a different range for what?s normal. Your lab report should contain the range your lab uses. Also, your doctor will evaluate your results based on your health and other factors. This means that a value that falls outside the normal values listed here may still be normal for you or your lab.
| Normal | Less than 5.7% |
|---|---|
| Prediabetes (increased risk for diabetes) | 5.7%-6.4% |
| Diabetes | 6.5% and higher |
The ADA recommends that adults with diabetes have an A1c level less than 7%. If your A1c level is higher than 7%, you may need changes in your diabetes treatment.2 Talk to your doctor about your diabetes treatment plan and goals.
| A1c % | Estimated average plasma glucose (mg/dL) | Estimated average plasma glucose (mmol/L) |
|---|---|---|
| 6% | 126 | 7.0 |
| 7% | 154 | 8.6 |
| 8% | 183 | 10.2 |
| 9% | 212 | 11.8 |
| 10% | 240 | 13.4 |
| 11% | 269 | 14.9 |
| 12% | 298 | 16.5 |
| Age | A1c % |
|---|---|
| Children younger than 6 years old | Less than 8.5% |
| Children ages 6-12 years old | Less than 8% |
| Teens ages 13-19 years old | Less than 7.5% |
High values
A glycohemoglobin A1c level higher than the level that is listed in the table above means that your diabetes has been poorly controlled over the last 2 to 3 months.
Some medical conditions can increase A1c levels, but the results may still be within a normal range. These conditions include Cushing's syndrome, pheochromocytoma, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Corticosteroid treatment increases the A1c level.
A1c levels may be higher in children and adolescents with diabetes.
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Is This Normal? Get the Facts Fast!
Answer:
0-69
70-130
131+
Your level is currently
If the level is below 70 and you are experiencing symptoms such as shaking, sweating or difficulty thinking, you will need to raise the number immediately. A quick solution is to eat a few pieces of hard candy or 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey. Recheck your numbers again in 15 minutes to see if the number has gone up. If not, repeat the steps above or call your doctor.
People who experience hypoglycemia several times in a week should call their health care provider. It's important to monitor your levels each day so you can make sure your numbers are within the range. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
Congratulations on taking steps to manage your health.
However, it's important to continue to track your numbers so that you can make lifestyle changes if needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Your level is high if this reading was taken before eating. Aim for 70-130 before meals and less than 180 two hours after meals.
Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.
One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Did You Know Your Lifestyle Choices
Affect Your Blood Sugar?
Use the Blood Glucose Tracker to monitor
how well you manage your blood sugar over time.
This tool is not intended for women who are pregnant.
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