Health Tip: What's an A1c Test?

(HealthDay News) - A hemoglobin A1c test is recommended for many diabetics several times per year. The test helps doctors see how well blood sugar has been controlled over the prior two or three months.

The University of Michigan Health System offers this additional information about the test:

• The amount of hemoglobin A1c in your blood indicates how high your blood sugar has been over the past three months. This can help determine if medication, diet and other remedies prescribed by your doctor are working.
• The test should be done every three months, unless you have your sugar well- controlled. In that case, your doctor may suggest getting the test every six months.
• Test results can help predict the likelihood of diabetic complications, including heart disease, or damage to the eyes, kidneys or nervous system.

-- Diana Kohnle

Last Updated: Dec. 28, 2007

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