Hemoglobin A-1C is another method to monitor the control of blood sugar in diabetes. Diabetes is a chronic illness for which there is no cure. If left unstable, it can lead to blindness, heart attack, congestive heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, and amputation.

Hemoglobin A-1C is a periodic measurement of glycosylated hemoglobin. It is used to screen for hidden diabetes, and reflects an average blood glucose in diabetic patients during the last 2-3 months.

When we eat, our body uses the food we eat to create blood sugar. In healthy people, a hormone called insulin, which is made in the pancreas, allows the glucose to enter the body's cells to be used for energy.

Some people either produce too little insulin or their body doesn't respond to it properly. The result of too high a level of glucose in their blood leads to diabetes. The good news is if you keep your glucose under good control, you can delay or even prevent serious health problems.

Diabetes can sometimes have obvious signs, but often people with diabetes do not notice any symptoms until it has caused serious problems. This is why screening for diabetes and maintaining a healthy, stable glucose level is important to your health.

For additional information on diabetes, including the various types of diabetes, risk factors, prevention and treatment, please visit the American DiabetesAssociation website: www.diabetes.org

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FAQ: You may scroll down the page to read the answers, or click on a question and you will be taken directly to the answer.

• What equipment is used for the test?
• How is the blood sample taken?
• Do I need to fast?
• How long does the test take?
• What test results are desireable?
• When do I get my test results?

The test requires just a few drops of blood The sample is then sent to the laboratory for testing, or in some cases, run with equipment right there.

No fasting is required. Note: If you are doing triglyceride testing in addition to this test, 12 hours fasting is required.

The test takes just a few minutes to do.

ADA Diabetes Goal is 5.0% -7.0%. Reference range for some laboratories is 3.8-5.9% for a desirable result.

Test results are either mailed to you in two weeks,or given to you at the testing event. Remember, you should consult with your doctor regarding the results of the test.

Testing your Hemoglobin A1-C is not a substitute for regular visits to your doctor.

Normal fasting blood glucose level is between 70-110 g/dl

ADA Diabetes Goal is 5.0% -7.0%.

Reference range for Bio-Safe testing is 3.8-5.9%