If you’re worried that you’re at risk for diabetes, the best way to find out is to get an A1C test. An A1C test is a common blood test that measures your average blood sugar levels for the past three months. The test can be done in a doctor’s office or lab using a sample of blood and can help diagnose prediabetes, as well as manage diabetes.
In order to be diagnosed with prediabetes or diabetes, your A1C test has to be within a certain percentage.
| Your A1C results are: Normal if below 5.7 percent Prediabetic if between 5.7 and 6.4 percent Diabetic if 6.5 percent or above |
The goal for many people with diabetes is an A1C level of 7 percent or less. However, your personal goal will depend on many factors, like your age, ethnicity (Black, Indigenous, Hispanic and Asian individuals are at higher risk of diabetes and complications), and medical conditions.