Blood sugar testing for diabetes

The A1C is a blood test that shows how well your diabetes management plan is working. The test measures your average blood sugar level over the past two or three months.

• An A1C below 5.7 percent is normal.
• Between 5.7 and 6.4 percent indicates you have prediabetes.
• 6.5 percent or higher indicates you have diabetes.

Taking the A1C test

If your diabetes is well-controlled and your blood sugar levels are stable, the American Diabetes Association* recommends you have the A1C test twice a year. Your doctor may want to run the test as often as every three months if your A1C is not within your target range.

The test involves a simple finger stick that can be done in your doctor’s office. You can get results as quickly as within about 10 minutes. The A1C test results provide insight into how your treatment plan is working, and how it might be modified to better control the condition.

What the A1C results mean

Your A1C goal is specific to you. Several factors come into play to determine this goal, such as your age, how advanced your diabetes is and any other heath conditions you have. A common A1C goal for people with diabetes is less than 7 percent. If you can keep your A1C number below your goal, you help reduce the risk of diabetes complications, such as nerve damage and eye problems.

*The American Diabetes Association is an independent organization that offers health information that health plan members may find helpful.