The A1C test, sometimes called an hba1c or hemoglobin A1C test is a quick Blood test that gauges your average blood sugar levels over the previous three months. 

What Is Measured by the A1C Test?
Red blood cells contain a protein called hemoglobin, which binds to sugar as soon as it enters the bloodstream. Everyone's hemoglobin contains some sugar associated with it. However, some people have more sugar connected to their hemoglobin than others. The percentage of your red blood cells that have hemoglobin bound in sugar is determined by the A1C test.

When and who should have an A1C test?

Diabetes or prediabetes screening
If you are an adult over the age of 45, or if you are under 45, are overweight, and have one or more risk factors for type 2 Diabetes or prediabetes, get a baseline A1C test:

Repeat the A1C test every three years if your results are typical, but you are over 45, have risk factors, or have ever had gestational diabetes.

Talk to your doctor about taking action to improve your health and reduce your chance of developing type 2 diabetes if your test results indicate you have prediabetes. The A1C test should be retaken as often as your doctor recommends, usually once to twice a year.

If you don't have any symptoms, but your test shows that you have prediabetes or diabetes, get a second test the next day to confirm the results.

If your test results reveal you have diabetes, ask your doctor to recommend diabetes self-management courses and support programs so you can begin treating your diabetes as soon as possible.

Diabetic management:
If you have diabetes, get an A1C test at least twice a year. If your prescription changes or you have other health problems, get one more frequently. Find out from your doctor how often is ideal for you.

How to Get Ready for the A1C Exam
A finger stick or arm vein blood sample is used for the test, performed in a doctor's office or laboratory. To get ready for your A1C test, there is nothing particular you need to do. However, find out from your doctor whether any more tests will be done at the same time as this one and if you need to get ready for them.

Diagnosing Diabetes or Prediabetes Based on Your A1C Results

Your A1C Target
7% or below is the preferred amount for most people with diabetes. However, several circumstances, such as your age and any underlying medical conditions, will affect your goal. To determine your A1C target, speak with your doctor.

Younger people have more years with diabetes ahead of them; therefore, reducing the risk of complications may not be as important to them unless they frequently experience hypoglycemia (low blood sugar or a "low"). People with serious health problems, low points, or old age may have loftier aspirations.