The A1C test is used to take an average measure of the amount of glucose (sugar) attached to hemoglobin (a protein in red blood cells). A low score, indicates control of diabetes or a lack of the condition at all.
Over the years, the A1C has become increasingly accurate. However, there is still an error of about .5%—and although that may not seem like much, it can be the difference in being diagnosed as normal (less than 5.4%), prediabetic (5.5%-6.4%), or diabetic (above 6.5%).
Additionally, the National Glycohemoglobin Standardization Program provides physicians with the ability to review the accuracy of each individual type of test, so that patients know how accurate the brand that office is using has turned out to be. If you feel this isn’t accurate enough for you, speak with your doctor about a different option for testing for diabetes.
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