Diabetes is a condition that affects how well your body is able to process food so that it can become usable energy. More than one in five Americans have prediabetes, and many of them don't know it. Through your doctor, an A1C test can be a guidepost for how to navigate your health moving forward. Here's a closer look at the test and who should schedule an appointment. 

What Is the A1C Test? 

Also known as the glycated hemoglobin, glycosylated hemoglobin, and HbA1c test, the A1C test measures your blood sugar levels over a two- or three-month period. It allows your doctor to diagnose prediabetes as well as type 1 and type 2 diabetes. 

All sugar that enters the bloodstream attaches to a protein in your red blood cells called hemoglobin. This test dictates how many of these "sugar coated" cells there are in your blood. 

Who Should Get the A1C Test?

Your age, risk factors, and current health conditions affect when and how often you should get the A1C test. The process begins with a baseline test to determine the diagnosis, type of treatment, and frequency of treatment you'll need moving forward. 

Any adult over 45 should get the A1C test as well as overweight adults under the age of 45 with accompanying risk factors. Test results where the blood sugar levels fall within a normal range will typically indicate that the patient needs to take the test again in three years. Meanwhile, individuals with results that indicate prediabetes or diabetes will be recommended to undergo testing more frequently. 

What Do the Results Mean?

An A1C test result with blood sugar levels below 5.7% is considered normal. Individuals with prediabetes will have blood sugar levels up to 6.4%, and individuals with diabetes will be measured at 6.5% and above. 

These results determine the likelihood of prediabetes progressing to type 2 diabetes, putting your health at risk and greatly impacting your medical care needs for the future. While the A1C goal for most adult patients is specific to their current health, staying under 7% is the general goal. 

For a friendly doctor who will perform the A1C test and guide you through the next steps, turn to Palladium Primary Care. Using cutting-edge technology, this facility treats patients in High Point and Greensboro, NC, for a wide variety of ailments with a personal touch and compassionate care. Since 2005, Dr. Osei-Bonsu has held the position of Medical Director of Wesley Long Hospital in Greensboro, and he leads his entire team to educate each patient so they can live their healthiest life. To find out more about the practice, visit them online. Call (336) 841-8500 to speak with a team member and schedule an appointment.