While a simple blood glucose test can reveal immediate glucose levels, a hemoglobin A1C test provides a better picture of your average blood glucose during the past few months.
Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) evaluates long-term blood sugar control and is one of the leading theories of aging. Serum glucose reacts with important proteins in the body rendering them nonfunctional in a process called glycation. Hemoglobin A1C is a reflection of this detrimental reaction. Doctors often follow this blood test in diabetics to monitor disease progression and the effects of treatment.
Life Extension® believes an ideal HbA1C level to be <5.5.
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is now recommending the use of a new term in diabetes management, estimated average glucose, or eAG. The A1C-Derived Average Glucose (ADAG) Study1 defined the relationship between A1C and eAG, and how eAG can be used to help improve the discussion of glucose control with patients. Health care providers can now report A1C results to patients using the same unit of measurement (mg/dl) that patients see routinely in blood glucose tests by converting A1C to eAG using a simple formula (28.7 X A1C – 46.7 = eAG).
We have provided a calculator for your convenience:
A1C %
eAG mg/dl
Instructions
Fasting is not required for this test. Take all medications as prescribed.
References
The laboratory services are for informational purposes only. It is not the intention of National Diagnostics, Inc and Life Extension to provide specific medical advice but rather to provide users with information to better understand their health. Specific medical advice including diagnosis and treatment will not be provided. Always seek the advice of a trained health professional for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Both the physician and the testing laboratory are independent contractors with whom National Diagnostics, Inc makes arrangements for your blood tests. Neither National Diagnostics, Inc or Life Extension will be liable for any acts or omissions of the physician, the testing laboratory, or their agents or employees.
A clinician's order is required for many tests. Where applicable, an independent clinician will review your test request and determine whether to authorize the test, if appropriate. For additional information, see PWNHealth Terms of Service.
