HA1c--also called hemoglobin A1c, HBA1c or glycated hemoglobin (A1C) test--is a blood test done to show the average blood sugar level for the past two to three months. The test works by measuring the percentage of blood sugar attached to hemoglobin. The HA1c level helps determine whether changes in diabetes medicine, meal plan or physical activity is needed to help control diabetes. People who have diabetes should have their HA1c levels checked at least twice a year.
Prediabetes
In June 2009, an international committee composed of experts from the American Diabetes Association recommended prediabetes testing include an HA1c level test. An A1c level between 6 and 6.5 percent or higher is considered prediabetes. A level of 6.5 percent of higher on two separate occasions indicates a diagnosis of diabetes. An HA1c level of 6 percent indicates a mean blood sugar level of 135 milligram per deciliter (mg/dl).
Diabetes
For those who have a diagnosis of diabetes, the American Diabetes Association recommends an HA1c level of less than 7 percent, while the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists recommend a goal of less than 6.5 percent. An A1c level of 7 percent indicates a mean blood sugar of 170 mg/dl. As of September 2010, A1c testing is a standard tool used to determine blood sugar control in patients with diabetes.
Elevated HA1c Levels
HA1c levels above 7 percent means there are greater risk for long-term diabetes complications, such as eye, heart and kidney disease, nerve damage and stroke. A HA1c level of 8 to 12 percent indicates a mean blood sugar range between 205 mg/dl and 345 mg/dl.
HA1c Test Variants
A variant form of hemoglobin in the blood can produce a false HA1c test result. If a test result is falsely high, the doctor may make changes in diabetic medication, which could cause glucose levels to go too low, causing hypoglycemia. If the test results are falsely low, the doctor may make treatment changes to cause a diabetic's blood glucose level to stay too high, increasing the risk for long-term diabetes complications.
Controlling HA1c Levels
Common causes of high blood sugar can include eating too many carbohydrates, lack of physical activity, stress, medication dosage, infection and illness. In order to devise a treatment plan to meet the goal of a HA1c level of less than 7 percent, the source of the problem must first be identified. Staying in control of diabetes over a long period of time requires following a meal plan, exercising, taking correctly prescribed medications, monitoring blood glucose levels and consulting with a health care provider as needed.
