Answer simple health questions
Complete a brief medical questionnaire about your symptoms and medical history.
A1C Blood Sugar Test
Monitor your diabetes risk with our convenient A1C blood sugar test. Get results within days and discuss them with our healthcare professionals.
No appointment needed. No fasting required.
- Licensed providers Care reviewed by medical professionals in your state
- Online visits Complete a brief assessment from home
- Medication delivery Prescriptions shipped discreetly when appropriate
How it works
Get care in three simple steps.
Connect with our medical team
Licensed healthcare providers review your case and connect with you as needed.
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Receive prescribed medications with free, discreet delivery to your home.
What is an A1C Test?
The A1C test measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months, helping to diagnose diabetes or monitor how well you're managing the condition.
Why Get an A1C Test?
- Diagnose prediabetes or diabetes
- Monitor diabetes management
- Track effectiveness of diabetes treatment
- Screen if you have risk factors for diabetes
Understanding A1C Results
Normal: Below 5.7%
Your blood sugar levels are within the normal range.
Prediabetes: 5.7% to 6.4%
You're at increased risk for developing diabetes. Lifestyle changes can help.
Diabetes: 6.5% or higher
These results suggest diabetes. A second test may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.
Your A1C test journey
From online order to results in a few simple steps.
Order your test online
Complete a brief health questionnaire. No doctor visit required.
Visit a local lab
Go to a Quest Diagnostics location near you. No appointment needed.
Get your blood drawn
A simple blood draw takes just a few minutes. No fasting required.
Receive your results
Get secure online results within 3–5 days. Our team can help you understand them.
Who Should Get an A1C Test?
Recommended for People Who:
- Are overweight or obese
- Have a family history of diabetes
- Are physically inactive
- Have high blood pressure or high cholesterol
- Have a history of gestational diabetes
- Are of certain racial/ethnic backgrounds (African American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, Asian American, Pacific Islander)
- Have been diagnosed with prediabetes or diabetes
Testing Frequency
For people without diabetes:
Testing every 3 years is recommended for adults over 45, or earlier if you have risk factors.
For people with prediabetes:
Testing every 1-2 years is recommended to monitor your condition.
For people with diabetes:
Testing 2-4 times per year is recommended, depending on how well your diabetes is controlled and your treatment plan.
Labs Near You
Find your nearest Quest Diagnostics location.
Quest Diagnostics has thousands of locations around the country.
It's important to select one that allows you to book an appointment online. You don't need to actually book an appointment, but if the location lets you book online appointments, then we know they're connected to the online ordering system that we use to order your A1C test.
Most locations are open Monday through Friday, with some Saturday hours available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to fast before an A1C test?
No, you don't need to fast before an A1C test. This is one of the advantages of the A1C test compared to other blood sugar tests. You can eat and drink normally before the test.
How accurate is the A1C test?
The A1C test is highly accurate for most people. However, certain conditions can affect the results, including anemia, recent blood loss or transfusion, and certain hemoglobin variants. If you have any of these conditions, your healthcare provider may recommend a different test.
What's the difference between A1C and glucose tests?
A glucose test measures your blood sugar at a single point in time, while an A1C test reflects your average blood sugar over the past 2-3 months. Glucose tests (like fasting blood glucose or oral glucose tolerance tests) require fasting, while A1C tests don't. Both types of tests are used to diagnose and monitor diabetes, but they provide different information.
How can I lower my A1C level?
If your A1C is elevated, you can lower it through lifestyle changes such as regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet low in refined carbohydrates, and managing stress. If you have diabetes, taking medications as prescribed is also important. Even small reductions in A1C can significantly reduce your risk of diabetes complications.
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Support hours
Monday–Friday: 4am–5pm PST
Saturday–Sunday: 5am–4pm PST
For medical emergencies, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.