The HbA1c is a test that will show your overall diabetes control or average blood sugar for the past 2-3 months, where as daily testing will show your control over several hours.

 

When your blood sugar is running high, some of it attaches to the red blood cells as they circulate in the blood stream. The higher your blood sugar, the more it attaches to the red blood cells, which live an average of 120 days. Measuring the amount of glucose attached to the red blood cells will give an estimate of your average blood sugar.

 

Many laboratories use 4-6% as the normal range. The goal is 7% or less. If your HbA1c is over 7%, changes in your diabetes treatment plan (diet, exercise, medication) may need to be made in order to bring your level down. This is because high blood sugar over a long period of time damages the body especially the eyes, kidneys and nerves.

 

It is generally recommended that the HbA1c test be done quarterly when glycemic goals are not being met or if therapy has changed. And, every six months if glycemic control is stable and treatment goals are being met.