If you have diabetes, you try to keep your blood glucose (sugar) level stable to lower the risk of serious complications such as nerve and kidney damage, heart disease, and vision problems. You can check blood glucose levels daily, but the hemoglobin A1C test provides a picture of how well diabetes is being managed over a longer period of time. The A1C test measures how much hemoglobin has merged with glucose in the blood; the more hemoglobin that has "glycated," or merged with the glucose (also meaning the higher the A1C test result), the more glucose there is in the blood. Understanding your A1C results can help you better manage your diabetes.
What to Do
Step 1
Get an A1C test. Your doctor can perform the A1C test, or you can have it performed in a lab. The test requires a blood sample. The American Diabetes Association recommends that diabetics have their blood sugar checked at least twice each year; however, people with high A1C levels or problems with their diabetes may need more frequent A1C testing.
Step 2
Get the results. The ideal A1C score for a diabetic is lower than 7 percent; nondiabetics should have a score of around 5 percent or lower. A score of 7 percent means that 7 percent (or lower) of all of your hemoglobin is bound to glucose, according to the American Diabetes Association. A score of 7 percent corresponds to an average blood glucose level of about 150 mg/dL, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Step 3
Work with your doctor to understand what your score means. A high A1C score indicates that your blood glucose levels have been too high, perhaps because you aren't making the lifestyle changes (like a healthy diet and exercise) necessary for diabetics. It could also be that you aren't taking your medications correctly or that your medications aren't working effectively and perhaps the dosages need to be adjusted for better control.
Step 4
Take action if necessary. If your A1C score is within the ideal range for diabetics, congratulations---you've been doing a good job controlling your diabetes. But if your A1C is high---over 7 percent---talk with your doctor about ways to get better control over your diabetes, perhaps changing your medications. Stick to a healthy diet, take your medications as prescribed, exercise regularly and maintain a healthy body weight.
Step 5
Get a follow-up A1C. Your doctor may order an A1C test a couple of times a year to gauge how well you're following orders and managing your disease. Approach every day as a new opportunity to get healthier and improve your A1C score.
Tips and Warnings
- Follow your doctor's recommendations for medications and lifestyle for optimal A1C scores.
- Contact your doctor before your next A1C test if you find your diabetes is difficult to control and you experience fluctuating blood glucose levels.
Things You'll Need
- Blood sample
- Test results
