Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is the A1C Test?Diagnosing PrediabetesWho Should Be Tested?Symptoms and ComplicationsOther TestsNext StepsFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Is the A1C Test?
Diagnosing Prediabetes
Who Should Be Tested?
Symptoms and Complications
Other Tests
Next Steps
Frequently Asked Questions
Prediabetesmeans a person has a high risk of developingtype 2 diabetes. The diagnosis of prediabetes is based on several health tests, especially blood glucose (sugar) and hemoglobin A1C. Diabetes causes elevated blood sugar levels, which can lead to many health complications.
Ahemoglobin A1C testis a blood test that reflects blood sugar levels over the three months before the test. This test can be used to diagnose diabetes and prediabetes. It is also an indicator of blood glucose control if you have diabetes.
This article explains what you need to know if you have signs of prediabetes, the range of the hemoglobin A1C test that indicates prediabetes and diabetes, who should be tested, and the steps to take to keep prediabetes from progressing to diabetes.
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A hemoglobin A1C test is also calledglycosylated hemoglobinor A1C test. The result is reported as a percentage. It is a blood test that measures the percentage of hemoglobin that is bound to glucose.
Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Normally, some of your body’s hemoglobin is bound to glucose. When blood sugar rises frequently or for long periods, this can cause a higher-than-normal percentage of hemoglobin to be bound to glucose.
A person’s A1C level may be high due to prediabetes, diabetes, and poorly controlled diabetes. It is a reflection of blood glucose levels over the course of the three months before the test.
Understanding Your A1C Test Results
Prediabetes is a condition that precedes the development of type 2 diabetes. It is not associated withtype 1 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes almost always develops during childhood or adolescence, and type 2 diabetes usually develops after age 40. However, young people can get type 2 diabetes, and adults can develop type 1 diabetes.
Prediabetes is diagnosed based on these three factors:
Each of these tests measures some aspect of blood sugar levels. The numbers that correspond to prediabetes are above normal levels but not as high as the numbers that indicate diabetes.
Your healthcare provider may diagnose you with prediabetes even if only one of your tests corresponds to the levels that fall into the prediabetes category.
A fasting (going without food or food and drink for a specified period of time) or nonfasting blood sugar level is a standard part of a yearly wellness checkup. This is sometimes called a random blood sugar level because it can be done anytime. It only tells what your blood sugar is at the time of the test—it doesn’t reflect how your blood sugar is at other times.
If your blood sugar level is high, your healthcare provider may order an A1C test.
Additionally, if you have risk factors for type 2 diabetes, you might need an A1C test, even if your blood sugar is normal. That’s because most people with prediabetes can have fluctuations in blood sugar levels, so a normal measure on a random blood test doesn’t rule out prediabetes.
Risk factors for prediabetes include:
Children and Prediabetes TestingThe American Diabetes Association and American Academy of Pediatrics recommend screening for type 2 diabetes and prediabetes in youth without symptoms. However, the benefits of screening are not well established.
Children and Prediabetes Testing
The American Diabetes Association and American Academy of Pediatrics recommend screening for type 2 diabetes and prediabetes in youth without symptoms. However, the benefits of screening are not well established.
Prediabetes Symptoms and Complications
Possible symptoms of diabetes and prediabetes:
Symptoms of Prediabetes
Complications of Diabetes
The reason it’s so important to identify prediabetes is that diabetes can cause many health complications. These complications can take a long time to develop. They include:
Diabetes requires long-term treatment for blood sugar management.
Other Tests for Prediabetes
The tests that are used to diagnose diabetes include glucose levels, A1C, and oral glucose tolerance test. Some other tests may support the diagnosis or identify risk factors, but only those three glucose-based tests are used to establish a diagnosis of diabetes.
What Are Tests for Prediabetes?
If you have been diagnosed with prediabetes, this means that you need to take measures to maintain a healthy blood sugar level. Prediabetes is considered a treatable condition, and treatment can delay or completely prevent type 2 diabetes.
Lifestyle Changes
Depending on your personal habits and risk factors, certain lifestyle adjustments can lower your risk of developing diabetes.
The features of metabolic syndrome change the body’s processes that alter metabolism in ways that can lead to diabetes. Many of the lifestyle changes that can help reverse prediabetes are focused on these factors.
Steps you might be advised to take:
Monitoring Blood Sugar
If you’ve had blood tests that are in the prediabetes range, you will need to have them repeated in several months.
If you’ve been advised to make lifestyle changes to control your blood sugar, repeat tests can determine whether the lifestyle changes are enough to control your blood sugar in the following ways:
Depending on how far from normal your blood sugar or A1C levels are, you might need to periodically check your blood sugar at home. You can learn to use a simple home device to do this. You and your healthcare provider would discuss the frequency, what you need to do if your glucose is high or low, and how to track your levels over time.
Types of Glucometers and How to Choose the Best One
Summary
Prediabetes is a condition that’s diagnosed based on changes in blood glucose tests, including the hemoglobin A1C test. The A1C test is often performed as part of a yearly health checkup, or may be ordered if you have risk factors for prediabetes. The range for a diagnosis of prediabetes is an A1C of 5.7% to 6.4%.
In general, prediabetes precedes the development of type 2 diabetes. Lifestyle adjustments include weight management, getting adequate physical exercise, and following a diet plan that moderates the type and timing of sugar and carbohydrates. These are among the most important aspects of managing prediabetes.
A Word From Verywell
While prediabetes is serious and you shouldn’t ignore it, the condition can be managed and sometimes even reversed. An A1C test is a common test that’s used to identify prediabetes. You might need this test if you have risk factors for diabetes or if you’ve had a high blood sugar on a fasting or nonfasting blood test.
Frequently Asked QuestionsYes, prediabetes is considered a reversible condition. Evidence shows that lifestyle factors such as dietary modification and exercise, as well as weight loss for those who are overweight, may reverse prediabetes and prevent or delay the development of type 2 diabetes.Learn MoreHow to Stop Prediabetes From Progressing to DiabetesThe best way to bring down your A1C is to manage your blood sugar and to make sure that it stays at a stable and healthy level. This includes strategies such as managing your diet if you have diabetes or prediabetes, and possibly taking medication if you have been diagnosed with diabetes.Your A1C will reflect optimal blood sugar control, but if your blood glucose has not been well controlled in the past, it will take weeks or months for you to see a change in your A1C numbers.Learn MoreHow Prediabetes Is TreatedIt’s generally recommended to avoid foods and drinks that contain high levels of simple sugar. This can include sweetened beverages, fruit juices, sweetened desserts, and carbohydrates, such as white bread.Complex carbohydrates are generally recommended instead. These include foods like whole grains. Other carbohydrates that are often recommended include fruits and vegetables.A balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fat is considered optimal for people who have diabetes or prediabetes. It is often a good idea to consult with a nutritionist or dietitian for advice about how to manage a diet with diabetes or prediabetes.Learn MoreFoods to Avoid With Prediabetes
Yes, prediabetes is considered a reversible condition. Evidence shows that lifestyle factors such as dietary modification and exercise, as well as weight loss for those who are overweight, may reverse prediabetes and prevent or delay the development of type 2 diabetes.Learn MoreHow to Stop Prediabetes From Progressing to Diabetes
Yes, prediabetes is considered a reversible condition. Evidence shows that lifestyle factors such as dietary modification and exercise, as well as weight loss for those who are overweight, may reverse prediabetes and prevent or delay the development of type 2 diabetes.
Learn MoreHow to Stop Prediabetes From Progressing to Diabetes
The best way to bring down your A1C is to manage your blood sugar and to make sure that it stays at a stable and healthy level. This includes strategies such as managing your diet if you have diabetes or prediabetes, and possibly taking medication if you have been diagnosed with diabetes.Your A1C will reflect optimal blood sugar control, but if your blood glucose has not been well controlled in the past, it will take weeks or months for you to see a change in your A1C numbers.Learn MoreHow Prediabetes Is Treated
The best way to bring down your A1C is to manage your blood sugar and to make sure that it stays at a stable and healthy level. This includes strategies such as managing your diet if you have diabetes or prediabetes, and possibly taking medication if you have been diagnosed with diabetes.Your A1C will reflect optimal blood sugar control, but if your blood glucose has not been well controlled in the past, it will take weeks or months for you to see a change in your A1C numbers.
The best way to bring down your A1C is to manage your blood sugar and to make sure that it stays at a stable and healthy level. This includes strategies such as managing your diet if you have diabetes or prediabetes, and possibly taking medication if you have been diagnosed with diabetes.
Your A1C will reflect optimal blood sugar control, but if your blood glucose has not been well controlled in the past, it will take weeks or months for you to see a change in your A1C numbers.
Learn MoreHow Prediabetes Is Treated
It’s generally recommended to avoid foods and drinks that contain high levels of simple sugar. This can include sweetened beverages, fruit juices, sweetened desserts, and carbohydrates, such as white bread.Complex carbohydrates are generally recommended instead. These include foods like whole grains. Other carbohydrates that are often recommended include fruits and vegetables.A balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fat is considered optimal for people who have diabetes or prediabetes. It is often a good idea to consult with a nutritionist or dietitian for advice about how to manage a diet with diabetes or prediabetes.Learn MoreFoods to Avoid With Prediabetes
It’s generally recommended to avoid foods and drinks that contain high levels of simple sugar. This can include sweetened beverages, fruit juices, sweetened desserts, and carbohydrates, such as white bread.Complex carbohydrates are generally recommended instead. These include foods like whole grains. Other carbohydrates that are often recommended include fruits and vegetables.A balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fat is considered optimal for people who have diabetes or prediabetes. It is often a good idea to consult with a nutritionist or dietitian for advice about how to manage a diet with diabetes or prediabetes.
It’s generally recommended to avoid foods and drinks that contain high levels of simple sugar. This can include sweetened beverages, fruit juices, sweetened desserts, and carbohydrates, such as white bread.
Complex carbohydrates are generally recommended instead. These include foods like whole grains. Other carbohydrates that are often recommended include fruits and vegetables.
A balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fat is considered optimal for people who have diabetes or prediabetes. It is often a good idea to consult with a nutritionist or dietitian for advice about how to manage a diet with diabetes or prediabetes.
Learn MoreFoods to Avoid With Prediabetes
6 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.All about your A1CJonas DE, Vander Schaaf EB, Riley S, et al.Screening for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents: evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.JAMA. 2022;328(10):968-979. doi:10.1001/jama.2022.7957Bansal N.Prediabetes diagnosis and treatment: A review.World J Diabetes. 2015;6(2):296-303. doi:10.4239/wjd.v6.i2.296Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Prediabetes—your chance to prevent type 2 diabetes.Bliudzius A, Svaikeviciene K, Puronaite R, Kasiulevicius V.Physical activity evaluation using activity trackers for type 2 diabetes prevention in patients with prediabetes.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022;19(14):8251. doi:10.3390/ijerph19148251Dixit JV, Badgujar SY, Giri PA.Reduction in HbA1c through lifestyle modification in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus patient: A great feat.J Family Med Prim Care. 2022;11(6):3312-3317. doi:10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1677_21
6 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.All about your A1CJonas DE, Vander Schaaf EB, Riley S, et al.Screening for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents: evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.JAMA. 2022;328(10):968-979. doi:10.1001/jama.2022.7957Bansal N.Prediabetes diagnosis and treatment: A review.World J Diabetes. 2015;6(2):296-303. doi:10.4239/wjd.v6.i2.296Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Prediabetes—your chance to prevent type 2 diabetes.Bliudzius A, Svaikeviciene K, Puronaite R, Kasiulevicius V.Physical activity evaluation using activity trackers for type 2 diabetes prevention in patients with prediabetes.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022;19(14):8251. doi:10.3390/ijerph19148251Dixit JV, Badgujar SY, Giri PA.Reduction in HbA1c through lifestyle modification in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus patient: A great feat.J Family Med Prim Care. 2022;11(6):3312-3317. doi:10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1677_21
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.All about your A1CJonas DE, Vander Schaaf EB, Riley S, et al.Screening for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents: evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.JAMA. 2022;328(10):968-979. doi:10.1001/jama.2022.7957Bansal N.Prediabetes diagnosis and treatment: A review.World J Diabetes. 2015;6(2):296-303. doi:10.4239/wjd.v6.i2.296Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Prediabetes—your chance to prevent type 2 diabetes.Bliudzius A, Svaikeviciene K, Puronaite R, Kasiulevicius V.Physical activity evaluation using activity trackers for type 2 diabetes prevention in patients with prediabetes.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022;19(14):8251. doi:10.3390/ijerph19148251Dixit JV, Badgujar SY, Giri PA.Reduction in HbA1c through lifestyle modification in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus patient: A great feat.J Family Med Prim Care. 2022;11(6):3312-3317. doi:10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1677_21
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.All about your A1C
Jonas DE, Vander Schaaf EB, Riley S, et al.Screening for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents: evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.JAMA. 2022;328(10):968-979. doi:10.1001/jama.2022.7957
Bansal N.Prediabetes diagnosis and treatment: A review.World J Diabetes. 2015;6(2):296-303. doi:10.4239/wjd.v6.i2.296
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Prediabetes—your chance to prevent type 2 diabetes.
Bliudzius A, Svaikeviciene K, Puronaite R, Kasiulevicius V.Physical activity evaluation using activity trackers for type 2 diabetes prevention in patients with prediabetes.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022;19(14):8251. doi:10.3390/ijerph19148251
Dixit JV, Badgujar SY, Giri PA.Reduction in HbA1c through lifestyle modification in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus patient: A great feat.J Family Med Prim Care. 2022;11(6):3312-3317. doi:10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1677_21
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