I need to take the test, but i wanted to know if it is like the glucose tolerance test, or is it just a simple blood test. Thanks for your help.
2007-01-22 14:06:54 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Diabetes
The A1C test is a simple blood test but you must fast for it just like the glucose tolerance test. The A1C will give you an average of your glucose levels for the past 3 month period. Good luck.
jw
2007-01-22 18:19:44 · answer #1 · answered by Janet lw 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depending on the facility, or level of accuracy a doctor wants, and A1C is just a simple blood test. They can take it via a syringe and send it off to a laboratory or they can use an in-office machine that just requires a finger prick. The send off would be more accurate but there isn't usually much deviation between the two. it will depend on what is availabe and what level of accuracy he wants.
A1C monitors your blood glucose levels that have been present in the blood stream for the previous 2 - 3 months. Elevations in this reading will need further investigation, most likely diabetes or sickle cell issues.
My son, when he was first diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes had an A1C of 11.8 which means his average blood sugar over the past 2 - 3 months which means his blood sugar averaged to about 343! Normal is 80 - 120. So figure he had swings upwards of 500 plus. It's scary stuff! He is now around 7 A1C.
A normal A1C is in the 5 - 6 range, give or take a few decimals.
2007-01-22 15:10:42 · answer #2 · answered by seriouslysanibel 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is a very simple test. It is not like a GTT that takes up half your day. The test consist of a venipuncture and then your on your way. The results should be back to your doctors office in the next 24 hours. A HGB A1C tells your doctors what you sugars have been running for the past 3 months.
2007-01-25 02:03:33 · answer #3 · answered by fairy_tale_dreams 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No preparation or fasting necessary. It is a single blood drawing. It averages the last 3 months glucose level. Level 5 to 7 is desirable. Below 6.5 for a diabetic is not always easy to maintain but even better. The HGB A1C is useful inasmuch as it prevents cheating like some patients would do. That is, like eating more sensibly during the 24 hours before the test.
2007-01-22 14:35:51 · answer #4 · answered by syrious 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is a simple blood test. Think of it like a long-term-blood-sugar reading/test.
Typically, 5-7 is good, providing there are no severe lows experienced by the 'patient'.
Depending on your doctor, results can be provided within an hour.
Good luck and keep your BGs in check!
2007-01-22 16:47:24 · answer #5 · answered by Alex W 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Simple blood test. It tells how well your sugar has been controlled the last 3 months or so.
The 4-hour one is called a glucose tolerance test; that one is used to diagnose diabetes.
2007-01-22 14:11:06 · answer #6 · answered by sarcastro1976 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Fasting blood sugar testing is best. A fasting test is first thing in the morning before you drink or eat anything at all. it is most accurate and i have one done everytime i go to the doctor. Random testing is still necessary also. It shows how high or low during the day sugars are and som,etimes thats how you know if you need extra insulin maybe.
2016-03-14 22:29:39 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Takes about 30 seconds to withdraw the blood, then a couple of days to get the results. Anything between 5 and 6 is good. Over 7 and you have problems. 6-7 requires attention.
2007-01-22 14:17:28 · answer #8 · answered by Mr. Peachy® 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Very simple test. You can actually get an OTC A1C single use kit an many pharmacies. They cost about $20.00 US. (It you use one, tear it apart after you're finished and keep the battery, it may fit something around the house)
2007-01-22 21:31:57 · answer #9 · answered by Peedlepup 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
just a simple blood test.
2007-01-23 06:06:48 · answer #10 · answered by BAR 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋