What the A1C test tells you about diabetes

Blood sugar, or glucose, is the main source of energy for our bodies. And maintaining healthy levels is crucial for everything from preventing fatigue to promoting optimal brain function. But regulating blood sugar can be a challenge, especially if you struggle with chronic illness or have a genetic predisposition towards diabetes. That’s why keeping tabs on your blood sugar levels is an important step in managing a range of health conditions. An easy way to do this is to get an A1C test. 

An A1C test, also known as the hemoglobin A1C or HbA1c test, provides a snapshot of your average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. This information can be used to help determine if you’re at risk for developing prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, or if you’re managing them effectively. So if you’re looking for some helpful guidance on managing your health and keeping your blood sugar under control, getting an A1C test can be a great place to start.

What is an A1C test?

An A1C test is a simple blood test that measures your average blood sugar levels over the past few months. It works by measuring the amount of glycated hemoglobin, or HbA1c, in your blood. HbA1c is a form of hemoglobin, the protein found in red blood cells, that transports and delivers oxygen to the body’s tissues. When glucose attaches to hemoglobin, it forms HbA1c, which can then be measured by a lab test.

The A1C test is considered one of the best tools for diabetes management, as it provides valuable insights into how well your diabetes is being controlled over time. And by regularly monitoring your A1C levels, you can take steps to adjust your diabetes treatment plan as needed, helping to keep your blood sugar levels within a healthy range.

How does the A1C test work?

The A1C test works by measuring the amount of HbA1c in your blood. This is accomplished through a simple blood test that measures the percentage of glycated hemoglobin in your red blood cells. The higher this percentage is, the higher your average blood sugar levels have been over the past few months.

Who should get an A1C test?

An A1C test can be a useful tool for anyone with diabetes, as it provides important insights into how well your diabetes is being managed over time. It can also be helpful for those who are at risk of developing diabetes and want to stay on top of their blood sugar levels. Some people may need to get an A1C test on a regular basis, while others may only need to get one every few years. Talk to your doctor to determine the best schedule for you.

Why you need to get an A1C test done

There are a number of reasons why someone might need an A1C test.

• Diagnose prediabetes:  There is a high probability that you will develop diabetes and cardiovascular disease if you have prediabetes. An A1C test can help detect prediabetes before it progresses to diabetes.
• Diagnose diabetes:  If you’ve been experiencing symptoms like increased thirst, blurred vision, or frequent urination and believe that you may have diabetes, getting an A1C test can help confirm your diagnosis.
• Manage diabetes:  By routinely monitoring your HbA1c levels, you can make adjustments to your diabetes management plan as needed. This allows you to better control diabetes and reduce your risk for diabetes-related complications, such as heart disease or kidney damage.
• Forecast diabetes complications: Diabetes complications, such as nerve damage and kidney disease, are often the result of diabetes being poorly controlled. An A1C test can help you spot any potential diabetes complications early on so that you can work to manage your diabetes more effectively and reduce your risk of developing serious health issues.

How often do I need to get tested?

The frequency of A1C testing will vary depending on your diabetes management plan and overall health. Typically, you may need to get an A1C test every 3-6 months if your diabetes is well-managed and stable. However, some people with diabetes may require more frequent testing in order to stay on top of their blood sugar levels. Talk to your doctor to determine the best schedule for you.

How to prepare for your A1C Test

There is generally no special preparation required for an A1C test. However, it is important to talk to your doctor about any medications or supplements you may be taking, as these could affect your results. 

What happens during an A1C test?

Using a small needle, a health care professional will take a blood sample. Once the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube. You might feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out. The test will be done in less than five minutes. The sample will then be sent to a lab for analysis, where your HbA1c levels will be measured.

How to read your A1C result

When you get your A1C result back, the first thing to note is what your level is and understand what that means. A normal A1C level is typically less than 5.7%, while a level of 5.7% to 6.4% indicates prediabetes, and a level of 6.5% or more indicates diabetes. Additionally, within the prediabetes range of 5.7% to 6.4%, the higher your A1C level, the more likely you are to develop type 2 diabetes down the line. To keep tabs on your A1C levels over time and help prevent diabetes from developing, it’s important to commit to regular testing

How to keep your blood sugar levels within a healthy range

There are many things you can do to keep your blood sugar levels within a healthy range, including:

1. Making healthy dietary changes, such as reducing your intake of sugary foods and refined carbs, and focusing on eating more high-quality protein, fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, and healthy fats.
2. Incorporating regular exercise into your routine to help keep diabetes at bay. This can include anything from walking or jogging to strength training or yoga.
3. Managing your stress levels by practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or massage.
4. Working closely with your doctor and diabetes care team in order to ensure that you’re on the right track and make any necessary adjustments to your diabetes management plan as needed.
5. Keeping track of your A1C levels over time in order to monitor diabetes progression and take action as soon as possible if needed.
6. Commiting to regular testing and monitoring of your blood sugar levels, and work with your doctor to create a diabetes management plan that works for you. By doing so, you can help prevent diabetes from developing and stay healthy for many years to come.

Keep your blood sugar in check

If you’re concerned about diabetes or have been diagnosed with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, it’s important to take steps to keep your blood sugar in check. You can turn to our team of expert healthcare professionals at Nao Medical to get the A1C testing you need to monitor and manage your blood sugar levels effectively. Discover how well your diabetes treatments are working or how risky these conditions are for you. With expert care and guidance from our team of healthcare professionals, you can be sure that you’ll get all the support and information you need to keep your diabetes under control and live a healthy, happy life.