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.
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.
How It Works
Order your test online
Visit a local lab
Get your blood drawn
Receive your results
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.
Our Subscription Plans
Choose the plan that works best for you and your needs
Individual Monthly
- Unlimited Virtual Doctor Visits
- Unlimited medications
- Treatments for over 200 conditions
Family Monthly
- Covers 2 adults and kids under 21
- Unlimited Virtual Doctor Visits
- Unlimited medications
Single Treatment
- Virtual Doctor consultation for a single treatment
- Includes 6-month supply of medication
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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.
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.
Have Questions? We're Here to Help
Our friendly healthcare support team is ready to assist with any questions about treatments, prescriptions, or your account.
Support Hours
Monday-Friday: 4am-5pm PST
Saturday-Sunday: 5am-4pm PST
For medical emergencies, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.