How does hgb a1c work

Adults over the age of 45 should take an A1C test to get a baseline reading. High A1C levels are indicative of uncontrolled diabetes, which has been linked to an increased risk of the following conditions:. Starting an exercise program can help. Prediabetes can progress to diabetes.

You may also need to make other lifestyle changes and monitor your daily blood glucose more closely. Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. The A1C test measures the amount of hemoglobin in the blood that has glucose attached to it. The test provides an average of your blood sugar readings for the past 3 months.

People with diabetes should take an A1C test at least twice a year and more frequently in some cases. Foods and drinks to avoid with diabetes can range from white rice to flavored coffee. Learn about others, how they affect your health, and more. In addition to medications like insulin injections, there are also complementary and alternative therapies for managing diabetes. Your office desk drawer is probably already an arsenal of lower-carb snack foods. With diabetes, these healthy snacks are crucial to combat hunger and….

Learn why constipation is common among people with diabetes, plus how to help reduce and relieve it. Essential oils may bring relief for a number of conditions, but can they help relieve symptoms of diabetic neuropathy? Here's what the research says. Having diabetes increases your risk for diabetic nephropathy, which causes damage to the kidneys. Early treatment can improve your outlook.

Diabetes leg pain and cramps often occur as a result of damaged nerves. The A1C test is a simple blood test. You don't need to fast for the A1C test, so you can eat and drink normally before the test. During the A1C test, a member of your health care team takes a blood sample by inserting a needle into a vein in your arm or pricking your finger tip with a small, pointed lancet. If the blood is taken from a vein, the blood sample is sent to a lab for analysis.

Blood from a finger prick may be analyzed in your doctor's office for same-day results. This in-office test is only used for monitoring your treatment plan, not for diagnosis or screening. A1C test results are reported as a percentage.

A higher A1C percentage corresponds to higher average blood sugar levels. Results for a diagnosis are interpreted as follows:. Lower or higher targets may be appropriate for some people. If your A1C level is above your target, your doctor may recommend an adjustment in your diabetes treatment plan. A part of your treatment plan will include self-monitoring at home with a blood glucose meter or other device. A person with prediabetes has a higher chance of developing type 2 diabetes in the future, but lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking , following a healthful diet , and getting regular exercise can often prevent this from happening.

The person may already have risk factors for type 2 diabetes, such as:. The A1C test is useful for diagnosis, but it is also important for monitoring. Average glucose, or eAG, is another way of reporting the results from an A1C test. Here is a comparison between the two scores, based on a calculator from the American Diabetes Association ADA website. A person who does not have a diagnosis of diabetes should have a score for the A1C test of below 5. A person whose score is 6. This will involve lifestyle changes, such as dietary adaptations, additional exercise, and possibly medication.

During treatment for diabetes, the person will aim to keep their A1C score below 7 percent. However, different people will have different targets, depending on factors such as their age and the medications they use. Managing blood sugar and A1C levels is necessary because a number of complications can develop with diabetes, such as cardiovascular disease. As A1C percentages rise, so does the risk of prediabetes becoming type 2 diabetes, and complications arising in those who already have a diagnosis.

For example, one research team found that people with an A1C of 6. The review looked at 16 studies that included more than 44, people who researchers had studied over 5. Managing glucose levels can reduce the risk of complications affecting the small blood vessels, especially of the eyes and kidneys, and the coronary arteries. However, an individual will work out their own blood sugar and A1C targets with their doctor or another healthcare provider, as each person is different.

A doctor may suggest the A1C test at the beginning of a pregnancy, to see if someone with risk factors for diabetes has a high score. Later in the pregnancy, they may test for gestational diabetes in other ways as pregnancy can affect the A1C test result. If a person has gestational diabetes, the doctor may also test up to 12 weeks after delivery, as gestational diabetes can sometimes develop into type 2 diabetes afterward.

Section Navigation. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Syndicate. All About Your A1C. Minus Related Pages. If your result shows you have prediabetes, talk to your doctor about taking steps now to improve your health and lower your risk for type 2 diabetes. Repeat the A1C test as often as your doctor recommends, usually every 1 to 2 years.

If your test shows you have diabetes, ask your doctor to refer you to diabetes self-management education and support services so you can have the best start in managing your diabetes. Diagnosing Prediabetes or Diabetes Normal Below 5. Top of Page.