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A1C
What is the A1C ?
The term A1C refers to a blood test that is used to determine how well you have managed your blood glucose levels over the last 2-3 months. The A1C is also known as the hemoglobin A1C or the glycosylated hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a portion of the red blood cell. Oxygen sticks to the hemoglobin so that it can be carried by the red blood cells to the tissues throughout your body. Glucose also sticks to hemoglobin, but once it sticks it does not get released. The more glucose there is floating around in your blood, the more that gets “stuck” to your hemoglobin. Your A1C is represented as the percentage of hemoglobin that has been “stuck” with glucose over the past few months.
What is a normal A1C?
- A normal A1C in a person without diabetes is 4-6%.
- For a person living with diabetes, the American Diabetes Association recommends a goal of less than 7%. The American Association of Clinical Endocrinology recommends a goal of less than 6.5%. Talk to your healthcare provider to set your individualized A1C goal.
- The lower your A1C, the lower your risk is for developing complications such as heart, blood vessel, eye, kidney, and nerve damage.
How often should I have the A1C test?
- Twice a year if your blood glucose levels are within your target range.
- Every 3 months if your blood glucose levels are not within your target range or if your diabetes treatment plan has changed.
What is estimated average glucose (eAG?)
The estimated average glucose (eAG) value is a new way to report your A1C level. While your A1C is reported as a percentage, the eAG result uses the same units as the results on your blood glucose meter. This can help you relate your A1C result to your everyday glucose monitoring levels. Knowing how your A1C translates into your eAG may help you understand how well your diabetes is being managed.
The chart below shows how your A1C relates to your estimated average glucose value:
| A1C% | Estimated Average Glucose mg/dl |
| 6 | 126 |
| 6.5 | 140 |
| 7 | 154 |
| 7.5 | 169 |
| 8 | 183 |
| 8.5 | 197 |
| 9 | 212 |
| 9.5 | 226 |
| 10 | 240 |
Here’s an example: if you learn that your A1C is 7.5%, your average glucose level is estimated to be 169 mg/dl.
How can I lower my A1C?
- Close daily monitoring of your blood glucose levels
- Following your meal plan
- Participating in regular exercise
- Seeing your doctor on a regular basis
- Taking your medication
- Monitoring and appropriately adjusting your insulin dose
How can fit4d help me to meet my A1C goal?
The experts at fit4d can help you develop a pro-active, knowledge-based regimen that fits into your life. They will give you empowering strategies to take control of your diabetes.
Most of the fit4d coaches are Certified Diabetes Educators (CDEs), and many of them are living with diabetes themselves. Nutrition tips, recipes, exercise advice, workout programs, and medication management are just a few examples of the powerful resources available at www.fit4d.com.
Brett Douglas, PharmD
Fit4D Pharmacist
References
- American Diabetes Association (www.diabetes.org)
- Diabetes Care, Volume 32, supplement 1, January 2009