This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional. The Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) test is a blood test that provides an average of your blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. It's a useful tool for:   Diagnosing prediabetes and type 2 diabetes: It can help identify if your blood sugar levels are consistently elevated.   Monitoring diabetes management: For people with diabetes, it shows how well their current treatment plan is working.   How it works: Glucose in your blood attaches to hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells. The HbA1c test measures the percentage of your hemoglobin that has glucose attached to it. The higher the percentage, the higher your average blood sugar levels have been.   HbA1c levels and what they mean: Normal: Below 5.7% Prediabetes: 5.7% to 6.4%   Diabetes: 6.5% or higher   Key things to know about the HbA1c test: No fasting required: Unlike some other blood sugar tests, you don't need to fast before an HbA1c test.   Provides a long-term view: It gives a picture of your average blood sugar over several months, rather than just a snapshot in time.   Important for diabetes management: The American Diabetes Association recommends that people with diabetes get this test at least twice a year. If you have any concerns about your blood sugar levels or your risk of diabetes, talk to your doctor. They can help you determine if the HbA1c test is right for you and interpret your results.