Hemoglobin A1C Test

Hemoglobin A1C Test

• Hemoglobin A1C Test is a blood test that determines the average blood glucose level in a patient over 3 months
• A normal HbA1c is 6% or less
• To calculate average blood glucose levels over 3 months using the HbA1c:
  HbA1c level x 30= answer – 60

Example

The HbA1c level is 7.1

7.1 x 30=213 the next step is : 213-60=153

The patient’s average blood glucose level over the last 3 months has been around 153

• The Hemoglobin A1c test is done every 3 months if the patient is on insulin & twice a year if the patient is taking diabetic drugs
• The HbA1c goal for people with diabetes is HbA1c less than 7%.
• The higher the HbA1c, the higher the risk of developing complications related to diabetes.
• Patients with anemia or kidney disease can have false results

Hemoglobin A1C Goals for Type II DM & Pre-DM