Treat yourself to $10 off select blood health tests. Terms >
Hemoglobin A1c Test
Hemoglobin A1c Test
Detect abnormal blood sugar levels. Healthcare providers use this test to help determine whether you're at risk for prediabetes or diabetes. Read moreTest details
Sample type:
Blood
Preparation:
You do not need to do anything special to prepare for the sample collection.
Fasting is not required for this test.
What
Measures the level of sugar-coated hemoglobin protein in the blood.
Who
Must be 18+ years of age to purchase.
How
Blood
Schedule an appointment, then visit a Quest Diagnostics patient service center location.
About the Test
Measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 3 months. This blood test helps determine whether you’re at risk for prediabetes or diabetes. If you have diabetes, HbA1c testing can help you and your healthcare provider know how well you're managing your blood sugar levels over time. An elevated HbA1c level means that your blood sugar levels have been high over the past 3 months. The HbA1c Test reports the percentage of hemoglobin in your blood that is coated with sugar. A higher percentage of HbA1c indicates higher blood sugar levels.
How it works
questhealth.com offers 100+ consumer-initiated Quest Diagnostics lab tests to empower you to have more control over your health journey. Choose from a variety of test types that best suit your needs.
FAQs
Type 1 diabetes, previously named juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes, is believed to be caused by an autoimmune reaction in which the body mistakenly attacks normal beta cells, which produce insulin in the pancreas. This type of diabetes is usually diagnosed in children but can develop later. Currently, there is no known prevention for type 1 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes is more common in older people, but it can affect individuals of all ages. In most people with type 2 diabetes, the pancreas produces insulin but the body cannot use it effectively. Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed by maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and exercising regularly.
The HbA1c Test gives you a percentage of your blood glucose levels over the past 3 months. Routine glucose monitoring tells you your blood sugar level each time you test. Both tests are important for the management of diabetes. Knowing your HbA1c is crucial, but it's not a substitute for routine self-monitoring.
The Hemoglobin A1c Test is also known as the A1c, HbA1c, glycated hemoglobin, glycosylated hemoglobin, glycohemoglobin, or hemoglobin A1c test.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder that can affect anyone, but it is more common in children, teenagers, and young adults. You're at a higher risk of developing type 1 diabetes if you have a parent or sibling living with this health condition.
Type 2 diabetes is becoming more common and certain conditions can put you at risk. Risk factors include:
- Age 35 or older
- Those who are overweight or obese and have certain risk factors:
- Family history (parent or sibling) of type 2 diabetes
- Native American, African American, Latino, Asian American, or Pacific Islander race or ethnicity
- History of heart disease or stroke
- High blood pressure
- Low HDL cholesterol (the “good” cholesterol) and/or high triglyceride level
- Being physically inactive
- Having polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
- History of gestational diabetes
- Prediabetes, which is an elevated blood glucose level that is not high enough to be considered type 2 diabetes
- HIV positive
You can help to lower your HbA1c levels by making several lifestyle changes, such as eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, managing your weight, and taking medications as prescribed. Making healthy lifestyle changes and sticking to them are both crucial.
An elevated HbA1c level means that your blood sugar levels have been high over the past 3 months. The HbA1c Test reports the percentage of hemoglobin in your blood that is coated with sugar. A higher percentage indicates higher blood sugar levels.
You may be able to use your FSA or HSA funds to purchase lab tests at questhealth.com. Please review your FSA/HSA plan or check with a tax professional to confirm specific requirements for individual eligibility.
Our references
1National Diabetes Statistics Report https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/data/statistics-report/index.html