Hemoglobin A1C: Essential Information in Caring for Your Diabetes
Checking blood glucose levels at home with your own monitor is the first way to know if your blood glucose readings are in the target range. Home glucose monitoring tells you about short-term control. Doctors use the hemoglobin A1C blood test, also called GHb and glycated hemoglobin, to determine long-term control of blood glucose levels.
The A1C is a simple lab test performed using a small sample of blood. The hemoglobin A1C test shows how well you have controlled your blood glucose levels over the past three months. The test calculates your average daily blood glucose reading over the past three months.
What Is the Target Range for Hemoglobin A1C?
The target is to keep your A1C level under 7 percent. The risk of complications increases considerably when A1C levels rise above 8 percent. The optimal range for hemoglobin A1C is 4-6 percent. To watch your overall glucose control, an A1C test should be done at least twice a year at a minimum, or as often as your health care provider advises.
How Can I Bring My A1C Level Down?
Monitor your blood glucose levels more frequently each day, which will help you discover the time of the day when glucose levels are higher. Write down your results and share them with your doctor. Your doctor can work with you on strategies to help you better control your glucose levels.
Hemoglobin A1C Testing Does Not Replace Self-Monitoring
Checking glucose levels with your home monitor reveals how food, exercise and diabetes medicines affect your blood glucose, which the hemoglobin A1C test cannot show. Each test provides very different sets of information, and both are needed to help control your diabetes, and thus help you lower your risk of complications.