Health Tip: What's an A1c Test?
By bunch, ReadyScore
(HealthDay News) -- Even though many diabetics check their blood sugar at home each day, it's important for a doctor to monitor a person's long-term control of the disease.
The A1c test, also called a glycated hemoglobin or HbA1c, gives doctors a view of the patient's blood sugar levels over the prior 120 days -- the approximate lifespan of a red blood cell.
Results of an A1c can help a doctor understand if a prescribed diabetes treatment plan is working as intended, according to the American Diabetes Association.
The test should be given at least twice a year, the ADA says. Your doctor may want the test done more frequently if you've had trouble controlling your blood sugar, or if the physician has made a recent change in your treatment plan.
The A1c test, also called a glycated hemoglobin or HbA1c, gives doctors a view of the patient's blood sugar levels over the prior 120 days -- the approximate lifespan of a red blood cell.
Results of an A1c can help a doctor understand if a prescribed diabetes treatment plan is working as intended, according to the American Diabetes Association.
The test should be given at least twice a year, the ADA says. Your doctor may want the test done more frequently if you've had trouble controlling your blood sugar, or if the physician has made a recent change in your treatment plan.
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