What is an A1C test used to detect?

The A1C test is used to detect the average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. It is commonly used to diagnose and monitor diabetes, as it provides a measure of how well your blood sugar has been controlled over time. The test measures the percentage of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells, that is coated with sugar (glycated hemoglobin). Higher A1C levels indicate higher average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months.