There are 3 main types of diabetes: Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that causes the pancreas to make little or no insulin. Insulin is needed to help blood sugar enter the body’s cells to be used as energy. If the blood sugar can’t enter the cells it builds up in the blood causing high blood sugar. Type 2 diabetes is the most common type and occurs when the body doesn’t use insulin properly and eventually the pancreas can’t make enough insulin to keep the blood sugar at normal levels. Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy.
Approximately 40 million Americans have diabetes, and 1 million more are diagnosed each year. Nearly 9 million Americans have diabetes and don’t know it, and 90% of the 97 million people with prediabetes are unaware they have it.
The Hemoglobin A1C test is a blood test that measures your average blood sugar over the past 3 months as a percentage. The result of the Hemoglobin A1C test is used to help healthcare providers determine if you may have prediabetes or diabetes. In people already diagnosed with diabetes, the result is also used to monitor and adjust the diabetes treatment plan to help control blood sugar levels.
Fasting is not required prior to the blood draw at Quest Diagnostics.