What is your A1C number?
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EmailIf you have diabetes there are important numbers you need to know. One of these is your A1C number, along with knowing your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Your A1C number is one of the most important indicators of longer-term diabetes management. The A1C measurement is a blood test that tells your health care provider what your daily blood glucose level has averaged over the last three months. Prior to the development of A1C testing, a health care provider would order a standard blood glucose test which measured the amount of glucose in the patient’s blood at the time the test was taken. One problem with this test was that when patients knew they were scheduled for the test, they would control the amount of carbohydrates they ate to assure a lower glucose level. These tests can be misleading since they do not paint an accurate picture of the ups and downs in blood glucose that the patient may have experienced.
Since the A1C measures average blood glucose levels over a three-month period it gives health care providers a more accurate picture of how well the patient has followed their diet, exercise, and medication plan. Keeping your A1C in a healthy range may lower the risk of diabetes complications such as eye, kidney and nerve damage as well as reduce the risk of developing heart disease and stroke. To help keep these risks low, your A1C should be tested at least twice a year.
Michigan State University Extension recommends the following steps to reduce your A1C level:
- Follow a healthy eating plan recommended by your health care provider or dietitian. Whether you are counting carbs or using the diabetes plate method, careful monitoring of your daily food intake helps stabilize blood glucose levels.
- Be physically active. Engage in daily moderate-intensity physical activity if you are physically able to. This should be at least 30 minutes per day or 150 minutes per week - this can be as simple as taking a brisk walk.
- Take medications as directed. Carefully follow the instructions your health care provider has given you.
- Manage your blood pressure and cholesterol. Work with your provider to keep these in a healthy range. Keep good records of your own personal health numbers and test results.
- Set realistic goals for your body weight. If you have excess weight, set small goals to lose five to seven percent of your body weight through gradual sustainable changes.
Knowledge of your A1C numbers empowers you to take action. By keeping your A1C within a healthy range you can lower your risk of diabetes complications and enjoy a longer, healthier life. MSU Extension also offers a variety of online health classes at no cost to you and offers a self-referral form to connect you and others to educational resources.
