Skip to main content

A1C Levels: What You Need to Know

4 minute read

By Check

If you have type 2 diabetes, then you are likely familiar with the A1C blood test. While other testing methods provide information on the blood sugar levels at the current time, this test gives an average blood glucose level over the past couple months. The A1C test allows clinicians to have a better picture of your overall diabetes control. It is more reliable than traditional finger stick test.

How Does the A1C Test Work?

Glucose binds to hemoglobin within the bloodstream, which is a protein. When the glucose and hemoglobin combine, the hemoglobin becomes glycated. The more glycated hemoglobin that you have in your bloodstream, the more your blood sugar rises.

Red blood cells are continuously dying off and being replaced, though red blood cells characteristically live about three months. The A1C blood test is able to give an accurate picture of your average blood sugar levels over the previous three months. A higher A1C percentage means that your blood sugar levels were higher than normal during that time.

What Are Standard A1C Levels?

If you have no history of diabetes, your A1C level should be below 5.7 percent. If you have an A1C of 5.7 to 6.4 percent, you fall in the pre-diabetic range. If your A1C is 6.5 or higher, then you would be diagnosed with diabetes.

The goal is to keep the A1C levels at 7 percent or less. When the A1C is steadily above goal, your doctor will adjust your diabetes management routine. This will help to reduce your risk of developing complications from your diabetes.

There are cases where a higher A1C goal is needed. Those who have low blood sugar, limited life-expectancy, diabetic complications, or diabetics that cannot reach lower goals, may have to keep their A1C between 7 to 8 percent.

How Does My A1C Level and My Average Blood Sugar Correlate?

This list gives you a better idea of how A1C levels translate to blood sugar numbers.

A1C Percentage = Average Blood Sugar

If your A1C is at 8 percent or higher, it indicates your diabetes is not being controlled properly.

Issues That Affect A1C Results

The A1C test is generally very precise, though there are some issues that can limit its efficacy:

How Often Should You Check Your A1C?

Your clinician will regulate your testing regularity based on your kind of diabetes, the recent level of control, and your existing treatment strategy. As a universal rule, A1C testing is suggested as follows:

Your clinician may order extra tests if there are complications in your diabetes medicine or treatment strategy.

Lowering Your A1C Levels

Reaching your A1C goal and lessening blood sugar variations can expand your overall quality of life and decrease your risk for diabetic difficulties, including blindness, neuropathy, and kidney damage. Here are some simple steps you can take to lower your A1C levels:

Preparing for A1C Testing

An A1C is a simple test that doesn’t require any preparations. A lab tech or nurse will get a small sample of your blood. They send this blood to a lab for analysis. They will let you know how long you can expect the results to take. In most cases, you should know your numbers within a couple days.

Are A1C Results Accurate?

A1C results may vary by as much as 0.5 percent. Each lab may have a different number, but they all should be within that .5 percent range. Both the A1C blood test and the finger stick blood glucose tests, are still the most commonly used tests to control diabetes. It is important to get control of your A1C to prevent lifelong complications.

somsak suwanput / Shutterstock.comsomsak suwanput / Shutterstock.com

Explore

Considering Live-in Care: How It Could Positively Impact You and Your Loved One Health

Considering Live-in Care: How It Could Positively Impact You and Your Loved One

Key Takeaways A live-in caregiver provides more than continuous medical care, offering emotional support and companionship as well. The costs of in-home care can vary significantly, depending on whether your loved one requires hourly, daily, or overnight rates. As we age, health issues can render us less independent, prompting the need for additional support. Caring […]

Read More about Considering Live-in Care: How It Could Positively Impact You and Your Loved One

4 minute read

The Gift of Pure Water: The Benefits of Installing a Water Filter in Your Household Health

The Gift of Pure Water: The Benefits of Installing a Water Filter in Your Household

Key Takeaways Tap water can contain harmful pollutants that cause gastrointestinal illnesses, lead poisoning, and Hepatitis A. A water filter is a one-time investment that saves you money year-round, reducing the need for water bottles and possibly medical bills. Investing in water filtration also has a positive effect on the environment, reducing the amount of […]

Read More about The Gift of Pure Water: The Benefits of Installing a Water Filter in Your Household

4 minute read

These Surprising Benefits Of Gut Health Can Reshape Your Mind And Body Health

These Surprising Benefits Of Gut Health Can Reshape Your Mind And Body

Key Takeaways To maintain a variety of microbes for optimal gut health, consume a variety of healthy foods, get exercise, and sleep well. Poor gut health can not only lead to chronic illnesses, but mental illnesses as well. Probiotics can help you boost your microbiome and discover all of the positive effects of a healthy […]

Read More about These Surprising Benefits Of Gut Health Can Reshape Your Mind And Body

4 minute read