The A1c test measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 3 months.

Also known as hemoglobin A1c or HbA1c, it helps diagnose & manage diabetes.

While daily monitoring tracks immediate changes, HbA1c provides a 3-month average of blood glucose levels.

Yes, it's also known as the hemoglobin A1C or HbA1c test.

Type 1 diabetes results from the immune system attacking insulin-producing cells, causing an inability to produce insulin. Type 2 occurs when the body develops resistance to insulin.

Adults over 45 or under 45 with risk factors should get a baseline A1c test. If normal & over 45, repeat every 3 years; if prediabetes, repeat as recommended. For diabetes management, test at least twice a year, more if conditions change.

Type 1 diabetes is often genetic, with family history playing a significant role.

Risk factors include age, family history, obesity & physical inactivity.

Adopt a balanced diet, engage in regular physical activity & manage stress.

A high HbA1c indicates poor blood sugar control, increasing the risk of diabetes complications. The higher the A1C, the greater the risk is for developing type 2 diabetes.

Your pharmacist will conduct the test using a blood sample. No special preparation is required. The pharmacist will also assist you in understanding the test & if any additional tests are necessary, consult with your doctor.

The pharmacist will assist you in interpreting the results. Higher A1c values may require following up with your doctor to confirm or to order further testing for diabetes.

Work with your healthcare provider to set a personalized A1C goal. This will depend on many things, including your age & any other medical conditions.

Conditions like kidney failure, liver disease or anemia can affect results. Certain medications & pregnancy can also impact A1c readings.

A1c is vital but doesn’t replace regular blood sugar testing at home. Regular monitoring helps track daily fluctuations not captured by A1c.

Work with your health care provider to set a personalized A1c goal based on age & health conditions.

Work with your health care provider to set a personalized A1c goal based on age & health conditions.

Goals may vary. Younger individuals might aim for lower levels to reduce complications. Remember, consult your doctor for personalized advice & adjustments to your treatment plan based on A1c results & symptoms.

For more information go to https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/managing/managing-blood-sugar/a1c.html

A lipid test measures LDL (“bad cholesterol"), HDL (“good cholesterol”), triglycerides, & total cholesterol. The test will also measure your blood glucose levels.

LDL (low-density lipoprotein) “bad cholesterol” transports cholesterol, triglycerides & other fats throughout the body. An accumulation of LDL cholesterol can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries & is a significant risk factor for coronary heart disease or stroke. Lower levels of LDL correspond to a reduced risk.

LDL (low-density lipoprotein) "bad cholesterol" transports ...

HDL (high-density lipoprotein) is known as “good” cholesterol because high levels of it can lower your risk of heart disease & stroke.

https://www.cdc.gov/cholesterol/about.htm

Triglycerides, a type of fat, store excess energy from your diet. Like LDL cholesterol, elevated triglyceride levels may indicate a risk for coronary heart disease or stroke.

Total cholesterol is the combined measurement of LDL, HDL & triglycerides, influencing the overall cholesterol result. It is recommended that adults aged 20 & over undergo a cholesterol test at least once every 5 years. More frequent testing is recommended for people at higher risk of coronary heart disease (family history, diabetes, smoker, overweight, unhealthy diet, etc.).

Blood Glucose, measured through a blood glucose test, assesses sugar levels in the blood. Persistent elevation in blood glucose levels may signal health concerns like diabetes. The American Diabetes Association suggests individuals with normal levels or good health undergo a blood glucose test every 3 years, with overweight individuals & those over 45 potentially requiring more frequent testing.

Individuals with impaired glucose tolerance, impaired fasting glucose, age 45 & older, family history of diabetes, overweight, lack regular exercise, low HDL cholesterol, high triglycerides, high blood pressure, certain racial or ethnic groups, gestational diabetes, or those with a baby weighing 9 pounds or more at birth.

Fasting prior to a lipid test is preferred to ensure accurate results.

Cholesterol testing helps identify abnormal levels & enables the development of a health improvement plan. High levels of cholesterol can increase your risk for heart attack or stroke.

Most healthy adults should have cholesterol checked every 4 to 6 years. Individuals with heart disease, diabetes or a family history of high cholesterol may need more frequent testing. Children should have cholesterol checked at least once between ages 9–11 & again between ages 17–21.

A simple check levels of LDL, HDL, triglycerides & total cholesterol.

For our complete lipid panel option available at the pharmacy, fasting is recommended. Other non-fasting options are available, however fasting prior to a cholesterol test may show more accurate results.

Cholesterol numbers, along with other factors, help assess the risk of heart disease & stroke. Lifestyle changes or medication may be recommended based on the results.

Cholesterol management considers lifetime cardiovascular risk, age, comorbidities, blood pressure, smoking & other factors. Collaborate with a health care professional for personalized decisions.

A coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan may be ordered by your health care team to assess risk & determine appropriate cholesterol management.

These FAQ provide information on cholesterol & blood glucose tests, their importance, preparation & factors affecting health. Always consult with your healthcare professional for personalized advice.

For more information go to https://www.cdc.gov/cholesterol/cholesterol_screening.htm

For assistance in Spanish, call 833-969-3468. Para asistencia en español, llama al 833- 969-3468.

For assistance in other languages, call 833-995-0513.

Persons using Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) should dial 711 and then the phone number for your local pharmacy.