Question 1

How often should I get an A1C test if I have diabetes?

Accepted Answer

Most people with diabetes have their A1C tested at least twice a year. You may need to check more often based on your management plan or other health conditions. If you have diabetes, you should have an A1C test two or more times a year to see how well your management plan is working. Those with poorly controlled diabetes may need testing every 3 months.

Question 2

Can medications or medical conditions affect my A1C results?

Accepted Answer

Certain medicines such as opioids and some HIV medicines may affect your results, so tell your provider about everything you take. But don't stop taking any medicines unless your provider tells you to. If you're of African, Mediterranean, or Southeast Asian descent or have family members with sickle cell anemia or a thalassemia, an A1C test can be unreliable for diagnosing or monitoring diabetes and prediabetes. People in these groups may have a different type of hemoglobin, known as a hemoglobin variant, which can interfere with some A1C tests.

Question 3

What's the difference between A1C and daily blood sugar readings?

Accepted Answer

When you check your blood sugar at home, it's a snapshot of a single point in time. But your blood sugar constantly changes, so this doesn't give you a complete picture. The A1C test measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 3 months. The test results give you a picture of your average blood glucose (blood sugar) level over the past two to three months.

Question 4

What A1C level should I aim for if I have diabetes?

Accepted Answer

In general, the American Diabetes Association recommends that the goal for most adults with diabetes should be an A1C of 7% or lower. For most people with diabetes, the A1C goal is 7% or less. Your doctor will determine your specific goal based on your full medical history. Some individuals may have different targets based on their age, health conditions, and risk of hypoglycemia.

Question 5

Can I use an A1C test to diagnose diabetes?

Accepted Answer

The A1C test can be used to diagnose diabetes and is used to monitor how well your diabetes treatment is working over time. If your A1c levels are high enough to indicate either diabetes or prediabetes, but you don't have symptoms of either, your doctor may order another A1c test on a different day to confirm the diagnosis. Healthcare providers typically use multiple tests and clinical evaluation to make a definitive diabetes diagnosis.

Question 6

Is the A1C test accurate for everyone?

Accepted Answer

If you have a condition that affects your red blood cells, such as anemia or another type of blood disorder, an A1C test may not be accurate for diagnosing diabetes. Kidney failure and liver disease can also affect A1C results. In these cases, your provider may recommend different tests to diagnose diabetes and prediabetes. Additionally, certain hemoglobin variants can interfere with test accuracy in some ethnic groups.

Hemoglobin A1C (Diabetes)