What is an AIC test¹?

The A1C blood test assists in determining how a patient has been managing their diabetes over three most recent months.  The results greatly assist the physician in determining the best course of treatment, dietary changes and appropriate medications to prescribe.  An A1C or HbA1c of 6% or less is considered normal.

When glucose/sugar levels are high, a substance called glycated hemoglobin develops in the blood stream.  The A1c test also known as the HbA1c measures the amount of glycated hemoglobin.

How often should I get an A1C test¹?

The National Medical Association (NMA) recommends that patients get tested at least twice a year and work with their doctors to lower and or maintain the A1c or HbA1c to 7 percent or lower.

What happens if my A1C results are above 7%¹?

If a patient has a high A1C test result on a continuous basis (7 percent and higher), the risk of developing diabetic complications increase significantly.  Typical diabetic complications include:

• Heart Disease and Stroke
• High Blood Pressure
• Eye Disease
• Kidney Disease
• Dental Disease
• Nerve Disease
• Amputations

Click here to read an extended article on the Complications of Diabetes:

What to do between Doctor’s visits:

The NMA recommends that patients invest in glucometer so as to track their glucose levels in between doctors visits. This meter will be able to provide you with the glucose level reading within the comfort of your home or at work. Daily self-testing of blood glucose is the number one way for the patient to be fully aware of their status.  According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA) a patient will not be able to adjust their insulin in between doctor visits without self-testing. ²

In addition, patients are encouraged to take their medications and or insulin as prescribed by their doctor.  For tips and resources on how to manage your diabetes. Click here.

1. Retrieved from Medline Plus web site, January 6, 2009 at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003640.htm#Definition

2. Retrieved from American Diabetes Association web site, January 6, 2009 at http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/treatment-and-care/blood-glucose-control/a1c/