HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) It is a blood test that measures the average level of glucose (sugar) in your blood over the past 2-3 months. # What is HbA1c? HbA1c is a form of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells, that has attached to glucose. The test measures the percentage of hemoglobin that has glucose attached. # Why is HbA1c important? HbA1c is important because it: 1. *Diagnoses diabetes*: HbA1c is used to diagnose diabetes and prediabetes. 2. *Monitors diabetes control*: HbA1c helps healthcare providers assess how well diabetes is being managed. 3. *Predicts complications*: High HbA1c levels are associated with an increased risk of diabetes-related complications. # HbA1c Levels Here are the HbA1c levels: 1. *Normal*: Less than 5.7% 2. *Prediabetes*: 5.7% to 6.4% 3. *Diabetes*: 6.5% or higher # Factors that Affect HbA1c Some factors can affect HbA1c levels: 1. *Red blood cell turnover*: Conditions that affect red blood cell turnover, such as anemia or blood transfusions, can impact HbA1c levels. 2. *Kidney disease*: Kidney disease can affect HbA1c levels. 3. *Hemoglobin variants*: Certain hemoglobin variants, such as sickle cell disease, can affect HbA1c levels. # How to Lower HbA1c To lower HbA1c levels: 1. *Follow a healthy diet*: Focus on whole, unprocessed foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. 2. *Exercise regularly*: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise, or a combination of both, per week. 3. *Take medications as prescribed*: If you have diabetes, take your medications as prescribed by your healthcare provider. 4. *Monitor blood sugar levels*: Regularly monitor your blood sugar levels to ensure they are within target range.