2006-12-20 05:22:52 · 10 answers · asked by beth b 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Diabetes
I just went to my doc last week. When I was pregnant I was on insulin so I always thought my A1C needed to be between 5 and 6, no higher. Labs were at 6.5 and thought I was really bad. My doc assured me that 6.5 is actually really good for non-insulin dependent patients. To top it off it is very important to have low cholesterol and enzymes, which were excellent too. Yippee!!
2006-12-20 08:54:17 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Think of it this way: A "normal" non-diabetic will average a blood glucose of 100 resulting in an A1c of 5.0. For every 1 point above 5.0 your blood glucose goes up an average of 35. So 6.0 A1c means 135, an A1c of 7.0 means an average blood glucose of 170. The ADA says under 7.0. That's a bit high for an AVERAGE. I want an A1c of below 6.0. I have been 6.2 to 6.8 during the past year. My last lab check was 5.8. I now know what I have to do to keep it low and it does mean constant checking and an effort to keep it low. By the way, I started 18 months ago with an A1c at 14+.
2006-12-21 05:18:26 · answer #2 · answered by Morphious 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Usually 5.5% in a non-diabetic is the cut off for "normal". Any thing higher than that starts to become abnormal.
For diabetics, you need to be at 7% or less to reduce your risk of complications as much as possible.
Some recommend 6.5% or less for those who can safely do it.
Many Type 2's are able to get into a normal range if they work really hard and stick with it.
Type 1's have a bit of a harder time by nature of their condition (I.e. not making ANY significant insulin), and anything around 7% is considered very good. Some are able to maintain an A1c lower than that, but many will risk severe low blood sugar episodes if they try. The tighter the control in Type 1, the greater the risk for severe hypoglycemia. This was proven by a study called the DCCT.
Most doctors say 7% or less (6.5 or less for Type 2's).
2006-12-20 08:44:41 · answer #3 · answered by reginachick22 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Depends on who you ask, but the professional societies have released guidelines which range from less than 7 to less than 6. That's for diabetics.
Normal people are generally around 5-6 maximum, and sometimes a bit below 5. I don't see too many normal people getting Hemoglobin A1c levels too often though, so I may be a bit off on that.
2006-12-20 05:28:43 · answer #4 · answered by The Doc 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For me I like it to be as low as physically possible. The time before last, my A1c was 6.4. My doctor said that was excellent. But I was really proud of my last one. It was only 6.1. Although I have had quite a few lows Id rather have it lower than taking a chance at it being higher, ever. Simply because I dont want ANY damage done to any of my body parts. I do check it a lot though. An average of 8 times a day. Anywhere from around 6-7 is alright but it really should be closer to 6.5 just to be sure no damage is done.
2006-12-20 14:53:37 · answer #5 · answered by Carebear 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
7 and lower 8 is normal and 9 and up isn't good
2006-12-20 06:24:09 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think its 6 or less. You don't want 7 or higher.
2006-12-20 05:24:36 · answer #7 · answered by Sara 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think 3-4 is ideal, i know if its sustained at 7 they often want the patient to go on insulin
2006-12-20 05:26:19 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
some say under 7. ADA says under 6.5
2006-12-20 06:03:23 · answer #9 · answered by BAR 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
One of my Dr. said 5.5 but I've never run that so I guess it depends on who you ask.
2006-12-20 05:49:20 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋