A1C Blood Sugar Test
Monitor your diabetes risk with our convenient A1C blood sugar test. Get results within days and discuss them with our healthcare professionals.
No appointment needed. No fasting required.
Monitor your diabetes risk with our convenient A1C blood sugar test. Get results within days and discuss them with our healthcare professionals.
No appointment needed. No fasting required.
The A1C test measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months, helping to diagnose diabetes or monitor how well you're managing the condition.
Normal: Below 5.7%
Your blood sugar levels are within the normal range.
Prediabetes: 5.7% to 6.4%
You're at increased risk for developing diabetes. Lifestyle changes can help.
Diabetes: 6.5% or higher
These results suggest diabetes. A second test may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.
Testing every 3 years is recommended for adults over 45, or earlier if you have risk factors.
Testing every 1-2 years is recommended to monitor your condition.
Testing 2-4 times per year is recommended, depending on how well your diabetes is controlled and your treatment plan.
Find your nearest Quest Diagnostics location.
Quest Diagnostics has thousands of locations around the country.
It's important to select one that allows you to book an appointment online. You don't need to actually book an appointment, but if the location lets you book online appointments, then we know they're connected to the online ordering system that we use to order your A1C test.
Most locations are open Monday through Friday, with some Saturday hours available.
No, you don't need to fast before an A1C test. This is one of the advantages of the A1C test compared to other blood sugar tests. You can eat and drink normally before the test.
The A1C test is highly accurate for most people. However, certain conditions can affect the results, including anemia, recent blood loss or transfusion, and certain hemoglobin variants. If you have any of these conditions, your healthcare provider may recommend a different test.
A glucose test measures your blood sugar at a single point in time, while an A1C test reflects your average blood sugar over the past 2-3 months. Glucose tests (like fasting blood glucose or oral glucose tolerance tests) require fasting, while A1C tests don't. Both types of tests are used to diagnose and monitor diabetes, but they provide different information.
If your A1C is elevated, you can lower it through lifestyle changes such as regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet low in refined carbohydrates, and managing stress. If you have diabetes, taking medications as prescribed is also important. Even small reductions in A1C can significantly reduce your risk of diabetes complications.