A1C is a blood test that provides information about a person’s average levels of blood sugar over the past 3 months.
It can be an important marker for managing and monitoring diabetes. Here are some key things to know about A1C:
– What It Measures: The A1C test measures the amount of glycated hemoglobin in the red blood cells. Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Glycated hemoglobin forms when hemoglobin joins with glucose in the blood. The higher the blood glucose levels, the more glycated hemoglobin builds up.
– Timeframe: Since red blood cells live for around 3 months, the A1C test provides an overview of a person’s average blood sugar over that time. This gives a good indication of how well blood sugar levels have been controlled.
– Test Frequency: For people with diabetes, it is generally recommended to have an A1C test two to four times per year. Those with more labile diabetes may need tested more frequently.
– Goal Range: For people without diabetes, a normal A1C is below 5.7%. For those with diabetes, the goal is to keep A1C under 7%. Higher A1C levels indicate poorer blood sugar control and higher risk of diabetes complications.
– Management Tool: The A1C test allows patients and doctors to evaluate and adjust diabetes treatment plans as needed. If the A1C starts creeping up, it may signal a need for changes to medications, diet, exercise regimens, etc.
So in summary, the A1C test provides vital feedback to help manage diabetes and reduce the likelihood of dangerous complications through better blood sugar control. Monitoring it routinely is important.