Diabetes occurs primarily in two types, type 1 and type 2. Persons with type 1 diabetes don't produce the insulin needed to utilize glucose in the blood. Those with type 2 diabetes may not produce enough insulin, or their bodies may not be able to utilize the insulin properly. In both cases, a test known as hemoglobin A1C, or simply A1C, is used to help diagnose diabetes and monitor blood glucose control.
Definition
A hemoglobin A1C test measures the amount of sugar-coated hemoglobin present in the blood, notes the Mayo Clinic. Results provide doctors with an average of a patient's blood sugar level over the past two to three months. A higher A1C result indicates a higher blood sugar average, indicating the presence of diabetes or uncontrolled diabetes.
Results
Hemoglobin A1C results of 6 percent or less are considered normal, according to the National Institute of Health. Typically this result falls between 4 and 6 percent. A result of 6.5 percent or greater indicates the presence of diabetes. An individual with a result which falls between 5.7 percent and 6.4 percent indicates a pre-diabetic state, meaning they have a higher risk of developing diabetes later in life.
Testing Frequency
Depending on the type of diabetes and the level of control a person has over his diabetes, a doctor may order a hemoglobin A1C to be drawn two or more times per year. The American Diabetes Association recommends that all persons with diabetes have their A1C drawn at least two times a year. Physicians may recommend more frequent testing for patients having a difficult time controlling their blood sugar.
Significance
It is important for diabetics to control their blood sugar as closely as possible to avoid complications. Chronically high blood sugar can lead to complications such as kidney damage, blindness, nerve damage and foot sores that can lead to amputations. By knowing the average blood sugar over the past two to three months, doctors can work closely with patients to achieve blood sugar control and lower risk of complications.
Inaccurate Results
There are some cases in which a hemoglobin A1C does not provide accurate results. Pregnancy, recent blood transfusions, kidney and liver disease, anemia and hemoglobin disorders can all provide inaccurate results and could lead to a false diagnosis, reports Lab Tests Online. If a high or low result is found and one of these conditions is thought to be present, further testing should be performed to verify accuracy and confirm the diagnosis of diabetes.
