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Standard glucose tests only measure blood sugar levels at the time the sample is collected. This HbA1c (hemoglobin A1c) test measures your average blood sugar level over an extended period (8-12 weeks) and is a useful tool for screening for prediabetes and diabetes.
Knowing your average blood sugar levels serves as a critical indicator of your health. Consistently elevated blood sugar levels often indicate prediabetes and diabetes: a serious disease that can ultimately affect the health and function of other parts of the body including your nervous system, cardiovascular system, eyes and kidneys.