A1c · Blood Pressure · Cholesterol · Screening
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A practical prevention platform to help you know your A1c,
Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, and Screening status - before the emergency.
“What gets measured in the ABCs gets improved” — Dr. Daniel L. Beckles, MD, PhD
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LEARNING HUB
Learn the ABCs of Prevention
Clinically anchored education on A1C, blood pressure, cholesterol, screening, and the expanded "S" suite — sourced from CDC, ADA, USPSTF, ACC/AHA, and WHO.
The Four Clinical Pillars
LEARNING HUB · A1C
Understanding Your A1C a Title H
Your A1C is a 3-month blood sugar average — the most important single number for understanding your diabetes and prediabetes risk.
Your A1C (also called HbA1c or glycated hemoglobin) reflects your average blood sugar level over the past 2–3 months. Unlike a fasting glucose test, it does not require you to skip a meal. It is the cornerstone test for diagnosing prediabetes and diabetes — and for tracking how well your blood sugar is managed over time.
Key Numbers at a Glance
What Does A1C Actually Measure?
When blood sugar is high, glucose attaches to hemoglobin — the protein inside red blood cells that carries oxygen. Because red blood cells live about 3 months, the A1C test measures what percentage of your hemoglobin has glucose attached. A higher percentage means your blood sugar has been elevated over that period.
Who Should Be Tested?
The USPSTF recommends screening for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes in adults aged 35–70 who are overweight or obese. The ADA recommends testing for any adult with risk factors including overweight/obesity, family history of diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, physical inactivity, history of gestational diabetes, or certain racial/ethnic backgrounds. If you are unsure whether you qualify, ask your doctor at your next visit.
Prediabetes Is Reversible
If your A1C is in the prediabetes range (5.7–6.4%), you have a significant opportunity. Research shows that lifestyle changes — losing 5–7% of body weight and getting 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week — can reduce the risk of progressing to type 2 diabetes by 58%. This is the most important window for prevention.
How Often Should You Test?
If your A1C is normal and you have no risk factors, testing every 3 years is generally recommended. If you have prediabetes, annual testing is appropriate. If you have diabetes, testing every 3–6 months is standard, depending on how well your blood sugar is controlled and whether your treatment plan has changed.
Questions to Ask Your Clinician
What is my current A1C and what does it mean for my risk? Is my A1C trending up or down compared to last year? Do I qualify for the National Diabetes Prevention Program? Should I be checking my blood sugar at home? What lifestyle changes would have the most impact on my number?
Frequently Asked Questions
The A1c Diabetes Hub
Question 1: Does A1C require fasting?
No. Unlike a fasting glucose test, the A1C test does not require you to fast. It can be drawn at any time of day.
Question 2: Can A1C be inaccurate?
Yes, in some cases. Conditions that affect red blood cell lifespan — such as sickle cell disease, certain anemias, or recent blood transfusions — can give falsely low or high A1C results. Your clinician may order a different test if this applies to you.
Question 3: What is the difference between A1C and fasting glucose?
Fasting glucose measures your blood sugar at one point in time. A1C reflects your average blood sugar over 2–3 months. Both tests have value, but A1C is generally preferred for screening and monitoring because it does not require fasting.
Question 4: Can I lower my A1C without medication?
In many cases, yes — especially in the prediabetes range. Dietary changes, increased physical activity, weight loss, and improved sleep can all lower A1C. However, if your A1C is in the diabetes range, medication may be needed alongside lifestyle changes.
Initiative by:
Dr. Daniel L. Beckles, MD, PhD
Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeon
DKB Advantage, LLC
Medical Disclaimer: The ABCs Challenge, including information about A1C, Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, and Screenings, is for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not provide diagnosis or treatment, and does not replace care from a licensed physician or qualified healthcare professional. Participation or use of this website does not create a clinician-patient relationship.
If you have symptoms, feel unwell, or have abnormal or concerning health numbers, seek medical attention immediately. Do not wait or delay care. For emergencies, call 911 or your local emergency number, go to the nearest emergency department, seek urgent care, or contact your physician’s office right away. Do not start, stop, or change medications or treatment based on this information without consulting your healthcare professional.
The ABCs Challenge, its organizers, sponsors, partners, affiliates, volunteers, and contributors are not responsible, to the fullest extent permitted by law, for any harm, injury, delay in care, neglect of care, missed diagnosis, adverse outcome, or damages arising from use of this information or failure to seek appropriate medical attention..
Data Sources: WHO (2023), PAHO/WHO (2022), CARPHA (2023), World Obesity Federation (2023), IARC (2016).
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