What Is An A1C Test?
Your doctor does a type of blood test—the A1C test—to see what your average blood glucose levels have been over the past 2–3 months. This blood test—also called an HbA1c test—measures the amount of glucose attached to your red blood cells.
Here's how it works: Sugar in your bloodstream attaches to red blood cells. The greater the amount of sugar in your blood and the longer the sugar level remains high, the more sugar attaches to the red blood cells. The A1C test measures the amount of sugar and gives you an overall "snapshot" of how well your blood sugar control has been for the past 2-3 months.
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends that people with diabetes should work towards a goal of keeping their A1C level below 7%. The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists encourages even tighter control, recommending a target A1C of ≤6.5%. Keeping your A1C levels below 7% over the long term has been proven to reduce the risk of developing diabetes-related complications.
Together, the A1C test and daily self-monitoring of your blood sugar will help you and your healthcare team determine if you are achieving your blood sugar goals. It's very important to use both methods to track your blood sugar levels. These test results give you and your healthcare team an overall picture of your blood sugar control, which helps determine if your diabetes care plan is working well.
"When I was first diagnosed, I was angry and did not want to believe I had diabetes. However, since then, I have been determined to accept diabetes as part of my life. I never give up on myself; I feel I am here for a purpose. You can lead a productive life with diabetes, but you need to learn as much as you can. You need to take charge of your diabetes, and not be afraid to live your life."
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Important Safety Information for Insulin
Possible side effects may include blood sugar levels that are too low, injection
site reactions, and allergic reactions including itching and rash. Tell your doctor
about all other medicines and supplements you are taking because they can change
the way insulin works. Glucose monitoring is recommended for all patients with diabetes.
The health information contained herein is provided for general education purposes
only. Your healthcare professional is the single best source of information regarding
your health. Please consult your healthcare professional if you have any questions
about your health or treatment.
