The A1C level in the blood is simply the count of some sugar molecules that are attached to the red blood cells in the human body. The A1C level is also known as glycosylated hemoglobin, hemoglobin A1C, glycated hemoglobin or HbA1C. A diabetes A1C chart shows the normal A1C levels that ought to be in the blood.

How to measure A1C levels?
A blood test helps to determine the A1C levels in the body. Depending upon the A1C level count relative to diabetes A1C chart, a doctor may decide the frequency of tests for each person.

The A1C level in the blood is the best indicator of how diabetes is managed or whether the treatment plan that is currently being followed by the affected individual is effective or not.

If it is noticed that the levels of blood sugar have remained constant or stable without any major noticeable fluctuation, the doctor would suggest testing the blood two times in a year. But if the figures are not matching with the standardized diabetes A1C chart, then you might need to go for the blood test four times in a year or sometimes even on a monthly basis as per the fluctuations in the blood sugar level.

What do the results of the A1C tests indicate?
The A1C level in the blood is an indicator of the amount of sugar that is in the blood.

• A measure of A1C level which is below 5.7 is considered to be a normal one.
• A measure of A1C level ranging between 5.7 and 6.4 may indicate prediabetes. Prediabetes means the blood sugar levels are not normal and not yet high enough for diabetes diagnosis.
• A measure of the A1C level above 6.5 indicates the presence of type 2 diabetes.

If you have diabetes, your goal should be to achieve low A1C levels. Regular testing can help you in controlling your blood sugar and protect your health from diabetes complications.