- Home
- Parents Home
- Allergy Center
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- Emotions & Behavior
- First Aid & Safety
- Food Allergy Center
- General Health
- Growth & Development
- Flu Center
- Heart Health
- Homework Help Center
- Infections
- Diseases & Conditions
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Play & Learn Center
- School & Family Life
- Pregnancy Center
- Newborn Center
- Q&A
- Recipes
- Sports Medicine Center
- Doctors & Hospitals
- Videos
- Para Padres
- Home
- Kids Home
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Movies & More
- Diabetes Center
- Getting Help
- Feelings
- Puberty & Growing Up
- Health Problems of Grown-Ups
- Health Problems
- Homework Center
- How the Body Works
- Illnesses & Injuries
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Recipes & Cooking
- Staying Healthy
- Stay Safe Center
- Relax & Unwind Center
- Q&A
- Heart Center
- Videos
- Staying Safe
- Kids' Medical Dictionary
- Para Niños
- Home
- Teens Home
- Asthma Center
- Be Your Best Self Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- Diseases & Conditions
- Drugs & Alcohol
- Expert Answers (Q&A)
- Flu Center
- Homework Help Center
- Infections
- Managing Your Medical Care
- Managing Your Weight
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Recipes
- Safety & First Aid
- School & Work
- Sports Center
- Stress & Coping Center
- Videos
- Your Body
- Your Mind
- Para Adolescentes
Blood Test: Hemoglobin A1c
What Is a Blood Test?
By taking and testing a small sample of a person’s blood, doctors can check for many kinds of diseases and conditions. Blood tests help doctors check how the body’s organs are working and see if medical treatments are helpful.
To help your child get ready for a blood test, find out if they need to fast (not eat or drink) or should stop taking medicines before the test. Explain what to expect during the test. If your child is anxious about it, work together on ways to stay calm.
What Is a Hemoglobin A1c Test?
A hemoglobin A1c test measures how much a person’s glucose levels have been in and out of the healthy (or target) range during the last 2-3 months. Glucose (GLOO-kose) is a type of sugar used by the body for energy. Hemoglobin (HEE-muh-glow-bin) is the protein inside red blood cells that carries oxygen. If too much glucose builds up in blood, it binds to hemoglobin, and this is what the hemoglobin A1c test measures. High hemoglobin A1c levels can happen when someone’s blood sugars have been higher than their healthy range.
Why Are Hemoglobin A1c Tests Done?
Doctors check hemoglobin A1c tests in kids with diabetes. The test helps them see how well medicines are working. A high hemoglobin A1c level may mean that a child’s medicines need to be adjusted. Sometimes a hemoglobin A1c test is done as part of a routine checkup to screen for problems.
What if I Have Questions?
If you have questions about the hemoglobin A1c test or what the test results mean, talk to your doctor.
- Keeping Track of Your Child’s Blood Sugar
- Making Fingersticks and Insulin Shots Easier for Kids With Diabetes
- Managing Blood Sugars When Your Child Has Type 1 Diabetes
- Diabetes (Topic Center)
- Blood Test: Hemoglobin Electrophoresis
- Blood Test: Hemoglobin
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
© 1995- The Nemours Foundation. KidsHealth® is a registered trademark of The Nemours Foundation. All rights reserved.
Images sourced by The Nemours Foundation and Getty Images.