06/04/2026
One blood draw. One number. Three months of blood sugar history — all at once.
That's the Hemoglobin A1C test. And if you have diabetes or prediabetes, it's one of the most important numbers in your health picture.
Here's how it works: red blood cells live about 3 months. During that time, glucose in your blood attaches to the hemoglobin proteins on those cells. The A1C test measures the percentage of red blood cells that are coated with glucose — giving your doctor a 90-day average of your blood sugar control, not just a snapshot of today.
That distinction matters. You could have wildly fluctuating blood sugar and still land at an A1C that looks acceptable on paper. That's why your Palm Primary Care team looks at the full picture — what the number is, what it's been, and what it means for your specific situation.
Here's what your numbers mean:
▪ Below 5.7% — Normal
▪ 5.7%–6.4% — Prediabetes
▪ 6.5% or higher — Diabetes
▪ Under 7% (for diabetics) — Good control
▪ 8% or higher (for diabetics) — Needs attention
A 1% change in A1C is meaningful. Dropping from 8% to 7% significantly reduces your risk of nerve damage, kidney disease, and vision loss over time.
The changes you make today start showing up in your next result. Diet, physical activity, weight, and medication all move the number. Your Palm Primary Care doctor can tell you exactly where you stand and what to do about it.
No fasting required. Ask about A1C screening at your next visit.
https://bit.ly/3RDD2T1 | (866) 840-7728
Read the full breakdown: https://bit.ly/4o7i6Q9
