An A1C is a simple blood test that can be performed anytime of the day and does not require fasting. An A1C blood test can be performed in an out-patient lab setting, a physician office, or in the privacy of your own home using an at home A1C testing kit.
What Does the A1C Test Measure?
The blood test measures how much hemoglobin (a protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen) is covered in sugar. The higher the A1C, the more out of control your blood sugars are in that 3-month time span. An elevated A1C can increase the amount and severity of diabetes complications.
Your A1C value should be based on your age, over-all life expectancy, over-all health life quality, existing complications and risk of hypoglycemia. The ADA suggests keeping your A1C as close to 7% or below and the AACE suggests keeping it under 6.5%. Follow your own physician’s recommendations of an A1C level especially if you have a heart condition.