As glucose enters the bloodstream, it binds to hemoglobin, or glycates. Dodell says. An A1C between 5. Type 2 diabetes is diagnosed when the A1C is at or over 6.
For many people with type 2 diabetes, the goal is to lower A1C levels to a healthier percentage. Your A1C goal is specific to you. Several factors come into play, such as your age, how advanced the diabetes is, and any other heath conditions you have. A common A1C goal for people with diabetes is less than 7 percent, Dodell says.
If you can keep your A1C number below your goal, you help to reduce the risk of diabetes complications, such as nerve damage and eye problems. Your A1C score is a valuable part of the diabetes control picture, Dodell says, but it is not the only indicator of your health. Someone who has wide fluctuations in blood sugar levels which is more common among patients who are taking insulin may have an A1C at goal because the average over two to three months is good.
But the day-to-day fluctuations can lower your quality of life and increase your risk of complications, he cautions. Diabetes can be a tough condition to manage, Dodell says.
He tells his patients to view diabetes management like a job. It takes work, but the time and effort you put into it can result in good control and an improved quality of life. Another term you may come across when finding out your A1C is eAG. Your doctor might report your A1C results as eAG. However, because you are more likely to check your blood sugar in the morning and before meals, your meter readings will likely be lower than your eAG.
Log in menu Manage Account Search. Donate now. Understanding A1C. All About Your A1C. Minus Related Pages. If your result shows you have prediabetes, talk to your doctor about taking steps now to improve your health and lower your risk for type 2 diabetes. Repeat the A1C test as often as your doctor recommends, usually every 1 to 2 years. If your test shows you have diabetes, ask your doctor to refer you to diabetes self-management education and support services so you can have the best start in managing your diabetes.
Diagnosing Prediabetes or Diabetes Normal Below 5. Top of Page. More Information. To receive updates about diabetes topics, enter your email address: Email Address.
For example, the A1C test may be recommended:. You may need more-frequent A1C tests if your doctor changes your diabetes treatment plan or you begin taking a new diabetes medication.
The A1C test is a simple blood test. You don't need to fast for the A1C test, so you can eat and drink normally before the test. During the A1C test, a member of your health care team takes a blood sample by inserting a needle into a vein in your arm or pricking your finger tip with a small, pointed lancet. If the blood is taken from a vein, the blood sample is sent to a lab for analysis. Blood from a finger prick may be analyzed in your doctor's office for same-day results.
This in-office test is only used for monitoring your treatment plan, not for diagnosis or screening. A1C test results are reported as a percentage. A higher A1C percentage corresponds to higher average blood sugar levels. Results for a diagnosis are interpreted as follows:. Lower or higher targets may be appropriate for some people.
0コメント