AC1 Test? Question(:?

Question

I'm wondering about the AC1 blood test, and how is it taken (meter computer plugged, prick of finger, blood draw?), as well as measured (like which number is in the normal range)?(: Thank you. I am also a type one diabetic.

Answer 1

Hemoglobin A1c is a blood test that shows the average level of glucose in your blood during the last three months. Monitoring your blood glucose every day is important, but this test is the most accurate way of knowing how well your treatment program is working

If you have diabetes,either type 1 or type 2; your A1c should be tested at least twice a year to check the effectiveness of your diabetes control program. If your results are high or your treatment plan has changed, you should be tested every three months until your blood glucose level stabilizes

This test is done by collecting and analyzing a small sample of blood, usually from a vein in your arm.. The blood work takes 3 min.

If your results are higher than the recommended level, your treatment might need adjustment. Review your treatment plan and health habits with your health care team. Your health care provider will most likely want you to follow a specific diet, exercise regularly, take prescribed medications and frequently monitor your blood glucose level

A hemoglobin A1c less than 7 percent is your goal (5 percent is the average for people who do not have diabetes). At a level less than 7 percent, you help reduce your risk for serious complications from diabetes, such as blindness, (diabetic retinopathy) kidney failure and nerve damage.(peripheral neuropathy)

Answer 2

The HbA1c test measures your long term blood sugar, your glucometer that you do every day only shows what your sugar is right then. This test keeps you honest, ppl do cheat. Values: under 5 normal for a non - diabetic. 7 or under the ideal for diabetics, over 7 usually means uncontroled diabetes. By the way, ReligOn sells a home A1c test kit thru Wal-mart, $18

Answer 3

The A1C measures the percentage of red blood cell walls that are sugar.

Diabetes = higher sugar = more sugar circulating in your blood = more sugar that binds to the walls of the red blood cells = higher A1C.

The test is taken from venous blood (usually from a vein in your elbow).

The numbers have changed a lot!!

Years ago, we aimed to get these lower than 10 (yikes - by today's standards that is awful control of DM).

A nondiabetic will have A1C's less than 6.

The best goal for diabetics aims to get the test less than 6.5 now.

If you are higher than 8.1 - you will have huge increases in all the bad things about diabetes (I assume you know these?)

You get the A1C lower by losing weight (get to your ideal body weight). exercise, eating fewer crabs and more fiber, and taking the medications your doctor prescribes appropriately.

The lower the A1C the less likely you will have problems.

Get the A1C less than 6.0 - and you will have a future that almost parallels a non diabetic in terms of health.

You CAN do it!!

Answer 4

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