The Facts About A1C



The Facts About A1C

What is the A1C test?

The HbA1c test, or “A1C” test, for short, is a blood sugar test that measures a person’s average blood sugar levels over the previous two to three months. It is often taken in a laboratory or doctor’s office. The A1C test is a complement to the daily blood sugar monitoring that people with type 2 diabetes take at home on their own. The A1C test can be described as taking a semester exam versus a daily quiz.

Why is the A1C test important?

The A1C test can tell if blood sugar levels are close to normal or too high. It provides an indication of blood sugar control over the previous two-to-three month period. The A1C test can help predict the risk of developing long-term, diabetes-related complications.

As such, it is important to set and meet A1C goals. Together, A1C results and daily blood monitoring help physicians make adjustments to the management plan for a person with type 2 diabetes.

What is the target level for A1C?

The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) recommends that people with type 2 diabetes reach an A1C goal of 6.5% or less. Achieving this goal is important, since every 1% increase above 6% elevates the risk of diabetes-related complications such as stroke, heart attack and loss of limbs. It is important, however, that people with type 2 diabetes speak with their doctor about setting their own personal A1C goal.

What if the A1C target is not being reached?

Depending on A1C levels, a doctor (such as an endocrinologist who specializes in diabetes care) or other healthcare professional may prescribe medicine(s) particularly when diet and exercise are not working adequately, to help manage type 2 diabetes. A combination of drug therapies that work in different ways may be prescribed to help improve blood sugar control.

How often should A1C levels be tested?

AACE recommends that people with type 2 diabetes take an A1C test at least quarterly. A doctor may give the A1C test more or less frequently depending on person’s circumstances, for example, if a person is above A1C target or undergoing a change in medication.

What is the difference between A1C levels and average blood sugar levels?

A1C measures long-term blood sugar control (over the previous two to three months) while a blood sugar test measures the levels of sugar in the blood only at the time of the test. The chart below shows how an average daily blood sugar number might compare to a two-to-three month A1C number.

How blood sugar self-testing results might compare with A1C test results

Average Daily Blood Sugar A1C Level What It Means

115 ===============> 6% Non-diabetic

130 ===============> 6.5% Excellent control

150 ===============> 7% Good control

180 ===============> 8% Needs improvement

215 ===============> 9% Poor control

250 ===============> 10% Very poor control

280 ===============> 11% Very poor control

320 ===============> 12% Extremely poor control

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