Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood draw
- Fasting: Not required
- Turn-around: 1–4 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Monitor long-term blood sugar control over 2-3 months, not just daily snapshots
- No fasting required – convenient testing anytime of day
- Early detection of prediabetes and diabetes before symptoms appear
- Track treatment effectiveness for better diabetes management
- Prevent complications by maintaining optimal glucose control
- Confidential results within 1-4 days to secure online portal
Who Is This Test For?
- Adults with diabetes risk factors (overweight, family history, high blood pressure)
- People experiencing diabetes symptoms (increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue)
- Individuals with diagnosed diabetes monitoring their glucose control
- Those with prediabetes tracking their condition progression
- Anyone seeking preventive health screening for early detection
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online – Select your test and complete checkout securely
- Visit a lab – Get your blood drawn at any convenient location
- Receive results – Access confidential results online within 1-4 days
FAQ
What does the A1c test measure? It measures the percentage of red blood cells with glucose-coated hemoglobin, reflecting your average blood sugar over 2-3 months (Mayo Clinic 2025).
Do I need to fast before this test? No fasting is required. You can eat normally and take your regular medications (Mayo Clinic 2025).
How is this different from daily blood sugar monitoring? Daily monitoring shows current glucose levels, while A1c reveals long-term control patterns over months.
What if my results are abnormal? Consult with a healthcare provider for personalized recommendations based on your health history and risk factors.
How accurate is the A1c test? The A1c test is highly reliable for measuring average blood glucose levels over 2-3 months (Mayo Clinic 2025).
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
The Hemoglobin A1c test measures your average blood sugar level over the past 2-3 months by analyzing glucose-coated hemoglobin in red blood cells (Mayo Clinic 2025). This test serves three primary purposes: diagnosing prediabetes and diabetes, monitoring blood sugar control in people with diabetes, and providing preventive health insights for early intervention.
Unlike daily blood sugar monitoring that captures single moments, the A1c test reveals long-term glucose patterns. This comprehensive view helps healthcare providers assess treatment effectiveness and adjust management plans accordingly.
Who would benefit from this test?
Individuals with diabetes risk factors should consider regular A1c testing, including those who are overweight, have family history of diabetes, or have high blood pressure (Mayo Clinic 2025). People experiencing diabetes symptoms like increased thirst, frequent urination, or unexplained fatigue also benefit from testing.
Those already diagnosed with diabetes or prediabetes use A1c testing to monitor their condition and treatment effectiveness. Additionally, health-conscious individuals seeking preventive screening can use this test for early detection and proactive health management.
When should I order a Hemoglobin A1c Blood Test?
Order this test if you have diabetes risk factors, experience diabetes symptoms, or need to monitor existing diabetes management (MedlinePlus 2022). Symptoms warranting testing include increased thirst and hunger, frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision, slow-healing wounds, or tingling in hands or feet.
Even without symptoms, consider testing if you're overweight, have a family history of diabetes, or lead a sedentary lifestyle. Regular screening enables early detection and timely intervention.
How do I interpret the results?
HbA1c below 5.7%
- What it means: Normal glucose levels
- Typical action: Continue healthy lifestyle
HbA1c 5.7% – 6.4%
- What it means: Prediabetes risk
- Typical action: Lifestyle changes, monitor closely
HbA1c 6.5% or higher
- What it means: Diabetes range
- Typical action: Medical evaluation and treatment
For people with diabetes, maintaining A1c levels below 7% can help prevent long-term complications (VA.gov).
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
Pre-test preparation
No special preparation is needed for the A1c test. Continue eating normally and taking your regular medications unless your healthcare provider gives specific instructions (Mayo Clinic 2025). You can have the test done at any time of day without fasting.
Simply bring your test order to any Walk-In Lab location where a qualified phlebotomist will collect your blood sample quickly and professionally.
How often should I get tested?
- Normal results, no risk factors – Every 3 years
- Prediabetes – Every 1–2 years
- Well-controlled diabetes – Every 6 months
- Poorly controlled diabetes – Every 3 months
- Recent treatment changes – Every 3 months
Work with your healthcare provider to determine the optimal testing schedule based on your individual health status and risk factors (Mayo Clinic 2025).
Why early detection matters
Early detection of prediabetes and diabetes enables timely intervention to prevent or delay serious complications. With 37.3 million Americans having diabetes and 96 million having prediabetes, regular screening is crucial for identifying at-risk individuals before symptoms develop.
Uncontrolled blood sugar can damage vital organs including eyes, kidneys, nerves, and blood vessels. Early detection allows for lifestyle modifications and medical treatment that can prevent or slow these complications, improving long-term health outcomes and quality of life.
Related tests you may consider
Glucose Serum Test - provides a snapshot of current blood sugar levels, complementing the A1c's long-term view for comprehensive diabetes screening.
Lipid Panel - assesses cholesterol and triglycerides, important for cardiovascular health management in individuals with diabetes risk factors.
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) - offers broader metabolic health assessment including kidney and liver function, providing a complete picture alongside glucose monitoring.
