Hemoglobin A1c Test
The hemoglobin A1C test also known as A1C or HbA1c is a simple blood test that measures your average blood sugar levels over the past three months. Specifically, the A1C test measures what percentage of your hemoglobin (a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen) is coated with sugar (glycated).
The A1c test can identify prediabetes which is an increased risk for developing diabetes in the future. It is also used to diagnosis diabetes and help manage and monitor diabetes treatment plan.
A blood sample is obtained by inserting a needle into a vein or a drop of blood is taken from a finger by pricking it with a small, pointed lancet. You don't need to fast for the A1C test, so you can eat and drink normally before the test. If the blood is taken from a vein, the blood sample is sent to a lab for analysis. If the blood is obtained from a finger prick, it is usually analyzed in the doctor's office for same-day results and you can return to your usual activities immediately.
A1C test results are reported as a percentage. A normal A1C level is below 5.7%. A level of 5.7% to 6.4% indicates prediabetes and a level of 6.5% or more indicates diabetes.
The A1c goal for most people with diabetes is 7% or less. An A1C level above 8 percent means that your diabetes is not well-controlled and you have a higher risk of developing complications of diabetes and your doctor may recommend a change in your diabetes treatment plan. However, your personal goal will depend on many things such as your age and/or any other medical conditions.
There are several factors that can falsely increase or decrease your A1c results such as kidney failure, liver disease, certain anemias or certain medications. If you have one of these disorders and are at risk for diabetes, your health care provider may recommend different tests.
While it is important to develop a long-term diabetes management plan with your health care provider, there are several steps you can take to help reduce your A1c.
1. By doing exercise as simple as walking for 30 minutes daily or up to 45 minutes to 1 hour three times a week, people with diabetes can reap benefits such as improve blood sugar readings which in turn translate into improve A1c readings.
2. Eat whole foods such as fruits, vegetables and healthy carbohydrates to help keep your sugars from spiking. The fiber in whole foods helps to slow down how quickly your body absorbs sugar and helps you to feel full so you tend to eat less.
3. Avoid processed foods such as canned products, soft drinks, baked goods and processed meats as they are often high in sugar, fat and empty calories. A key to identifying processed foods is a long list of ingredients. So always check the nutrition label.
4. Some supplements such as berberine, cinnamon and coenzyme Q10 has shown promise to decrease A1c. Its always best to discuss with your health care provider prior to starting any supplements.
Although you can reliably lower your A1c through diet and exercise, it is also important to take your medication as prescribed and keep your follow up appointments with your health care provider to keep your blood sugar and A1c under control.
If you’re an adult over 45, you should have a baseline A1c test. If you’re under 45 with risk factors for pre diabetes or diabetes (i.e family history of diabetes, overweight, history of gestational diabetes) you should be screen for diabetes. If you are a diabetic, your health care provider will determine the frequency of your A1c test and establish and help maintain your individual A1c goal to improve your health and lower your risk for complications.
For more information about the hemoglobin A1c test, visit https://www.diabetes.org/a1c