DIABETES

WHAT IS MY A1C TEST ?
SELF BLOOD SUGAR TESTING REVELS YOUR BLOOD SUGAR LEVEL AT A PARTICULAR MOMENT. A1C IS A BLOOD TEST THAT REVELS YOUR AVERAGE BLOOD SUGAR LEVEL OVER THE PAST 2-3 MONTHS. THE RESULT OF THIS TEST GIVES YOU AND YOUR DOCTOR A BIGGER PICTURE OF HOW WELL YOUR DIABETES IS CONTROLLED OVERTIME .

What do the results of the A1c test mean?

The results of the A1c test are given percentages:

• 6% = an average blood sugar of 120 mg/dl.
• 7% = an average blood sugar of 150 mg/dl.
• 8% = an average blood sugar of 180 mg/dl.
• 9% = an average blood sugar of 210 mg/dl.

A good A1c reading is below 6.5%.* Studies show that blood sugar levels under 150 mg/dl and A1c readings under 6.5%* reduce the risk of health problems related to poorly controlled diabetes, such as kidney, eye, heart, blood vessel, and nerve damage.

At least once a year show your doctor or diabetes nurse educator your blood glucose monitor and talk about any questions you may have.

*Reflects the new Diabetes Screening and Mangement Guidelines set by the American College of Endocrinology (ACE) and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE), 2001.