Take Control of Diabetes by Knowing What Your A1C Test Goal Should Be

To most persons who are diagnosed with pre-diabetes or Diabetes2 the term A1C is like another language to them. I was one of those persons. When my doctor informed me that I needed to go back to the laboratory to do an A1C test I had no idea what he was talking about. Generally, the feeling is that if your blood-work shows that you are pre-diabetic or a true diabetic, why is it important to do another test?


The major difference between the two tests is that you can monitor your own glucose levels by testing a drop of blood from your finger on a glucose meter. The result reflects your blood glucose reading at the particular time that you take the blood sample. The clinical term for this is self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG), and I like to refer to it as the real-time reading.


On the other hand, the A1C test is done, usually in a laboratory, and is a reflection of your average blood glucose level over a 3-month period. The test can be taken at any time during the day. There are advantages to having this test done.


1. If you self-monitor yourself at the same times everyday, you could get results that make you think you're doingwell in monitoring your sugar levels. However, the A1C gives a more comprehensive reading and shows whether your blood glucose levels have been too high or if they've been close to normal over a period of time.


2. Based on the results, your healthcare provider can determine if the treatment or the plan is working for you. Keep in mind that many pre-diabetics are not necessirarily put on medication right away. Many are told, as I was, that the glucose levels may be controlled by diet and exercise. This test will show if that plan is working or if more aggressive treatments need to be administered.


3. The A1C test is usually done 2-3 times per year and if your blood glucose readings are consistently high, it would be a good idea to have the test done every three months as my doctor recommended. Doctors vary is deciding what your desired A1C goal should be. The American Diabetes Association chart shows that a normal A1C reading is 6 or less. Your doctor or health provider may suggest that it should not be more than 5. If you have already been diagnosed with diabetes, the recommended goal is less than 7.


The most important reasons are that as your A1C levels rise so does your risk for major health problems that can affect your heart, kidneys, cause nerve damage and make you more prone to eye diseases, some of which can be severe and irreversible. It is very important to work hard at keeping your blood glucose level under control by eating foods with less carbohydrates and fat. Exercise is essential. This does not mean you have to go to the gym everyday, but staying active by engaging in tasks like gardening and walking regularly for 15-30 minutes every day.


I was diagnosed with pre-diabetes four years ago and have worked on controlling it with diet and exercise. Unfortunately I was not consistent until I discovered the Diabetes Reversal Report. This report explains in great detail not only what diabetes is but discusses factors that we may have not considered that can negatively impact our blood sugar levels and our bodies' ability to absorb insulin. I particularly like that the Report introduces different phases so that changes can be made gradually and effectively. I now have a blueprint on how to control my diabetes effectively and I invite you to experience the benefits yourself at http://www.saygoodbyetodiabetes.com


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