Why is the hemoglobin A1c test important for diabetes?

The A1c test is important for diabetes because it helps with diabetes management and research, states the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. It also helps doctors judge the effectiveness of a diabetes treatment plan, explains Healthline.

A1c tests are important in the screening of diabetes and prediabetes because they measure the average blood glucose levels over a period of two to three months, according to Healthline. The tests give the patient the big picture about his diabetes management plan, says the American Diabetes Association. It is also used to confirm the results of a self-test and any blood glucose tests that the doctor has conducted.