Blood Testing Methods
Getting diabetes under control can take time. But a simple A1C test—along with your regular self-testing—can help you know if you're on the right track.
Your A1C doesn't need to be a mystery or source of anxiety. It will simply show what your average blood sugar has been for the past few months, although your day-to-day sugar levels will vary. This chart shows how the numbers relate.
Imagine that you're a baseball player measuring your performance at bat. You give yourself a pat on the back for each hit, but even the best hitters strike out from time to time. Although those home runs that you hit sure feel good, you take pride in your batting average as well.
The A1C test is a lot like a batting average—except that lower numbers are the goal. Unlike the quick checks that you do yourself, the A1C is a lab test that measures your average blood sugar level over several months. Knowing your A1C value allows you and your doctor to determine whether you need to make changes to your diet, activity level, and medications.
And that's important because keeping your blood sugar close to normal can help lower your risk of many diabetes-related complications. But even though it's an important marker, the A1C test is no substitute for daily self-testing, which allows you to track your blood sugar for more immediate highs and lows. Together, the 2 tests provide you and your health care team with a good picture of your progress and show you how healthy choices can make a difference in diabetes control.
How It Works
While daily self checks measure your blood sugar at any given time, the A1C test reflects your average blood sugar for the past few months. How? It measures the amount of sugar that attaches to protein in the red blood cells. Because red blood cells live about 3 months, A1C tests show your average blood sugar during that time. The higher the amount of sugar in your blood, the higher your A1C will be.
Regular Tracking
Your first A1C should be measured at the time of diabetes diagnosis or when treatment begins. It is recommended that you continue to have this test done 4 times a year. Talk with your doctor about the schedule that's right for you.
Knowing the Score
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends that you aim for an A1C of 7% or less if you have diabetes. The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) recommends an A1C of 6.5% or less. Lowering your A1C—by any amount—can improve your chances of staying healthy. Women who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant should consult with their doctor and aim for an A1C under 6%.
Note: According to the ADA, not every lab measures A1C in the same way. That means that if you change doctors or if your hospital changes labs, your test numbers may need to be evaluated differently. Ask your doctor for more information.
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