An A1C test measures the average amount of glucose (sugar) in an individual's blood over the past three months. The result is reported as a percentage. The higher the percentage, the higher their blood glucose levels have been, on average.  

The results of an A1C test can help a healthcare professional:

• Diagnose prediabetes. If you have prediabetes, you have a higher risk of getting diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
• Diagnose diabetes. To confirm a diabetes diagnosis, your healthcare professional may look at the results of two blood tests. These can be either two A1C tests or the A1C test plus another test, such as a fasting blood sugar test, also called blood glucose test.
• Check your diabetes treatment plan. The result of a first A1C test also gives you a starting A1C level. It's compared to future A1C test results to see how well your diabetes treatment plan is working.

An A1C screening initiative will be launched in Fall 2025 at Stanly County Health Department.  Initially, A1C screening will be limited to individuals receiving care through the health department, ensuring early detection and management of diabetes risk among the department’s existing patient base. A1C screening will be offered to individuals who have any of the following risk factors: overweight, history of gestational diabetes, or family history of Type 2 diabetes.