A1C Test: Everything You Need To Know

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Chapters

0:09 Introduction
1:00 what does it measure
1:34 What are normal levels
2:00 who needs it
2:41 who can influence an A 1 c test
3:06 what does high Aic indicate


• For people living with diabetes, monitoring blood glucose through finger-prick tests is the norm.
• However, these tests, although necessary, are quite limited in measuring blood glucose as they only measure the current amount and do not indicate any trends.
• This means that your overall blood sugar might be fine even if your current fasting levels are abnormal.
• This is where the A1C test comes.
• Introduced in the 1980s, the hemoglobin A1C test is important in monitoring diabetes as it helps check blood glucose levels over the previous two or three months.
• The test is also used for screening and diagnosing diabetes and prediabetes.
• It is convenient too, as it does not require a person to be fasting and can be given at any time.
• Let’s look at the A1C test in detail:
What Does it Measure?
• The A1C test measures the amount of glucose attached to hemoglobin in the body.
• Hemoglobin is the protein used by the body’s red blood cells to carry and transport oxygen.
• Its typical lifespan lasts for around 3 months.
• During this time, glucose attaches to it in the form of glycates.
• Because of that, the presence of glucose can also be checked for up to 3 months.
• If the glucose attached to hemoglobin is low, you will have low A1C and vice versa.
What Are Normal Levels?
• People with a glycated level of less than 5.6 are considered normal, with 5 being the usual amount for people without diabetes.
• Levels between 5.6 and 6.4 indicate prediabetes.
• A1C levels of 6.5 and above are considered to be an indication of diabetes.
Who Needs It?
• An A1C test provides a more extensive look into blood glucose levels than a finger prick test. However, most diabetics do not need frequent tests.
• The finger prick tests are usually enough to give you a strong idea about your condition.
• Frequent A1C tests are required if:
1. You are pregnant
2. Your treatment is being monitored and adjusted
3. You are dealing with type 1 diabetes
4. You and your doctor have certain blood glucose targets
• However, one test is necessary for those with diabetes, prediabetes, or a family history of diabetes.
What Can Influence an A1C Test?
• A1C tests are often not reliable as they can give a reading of .5 higher or lower.
• A doctor is likely to get the tests repeated to get an average reading to use, possibly ignoring abnormalities.
• You might also get false results if you are suffering from anemia, liver diseases, or kidney diseases.
What Does High A1C Indicate?
• If your A1C test shows an abnormally high read, it usually indicates uncontrolled diabetes.
• The conditions this places you at risk of include:
1. Kidney disease
2. Cardiovascular disease
3. Eye damage
4. Nerve damage
5. Numbness and tingling
6. Slower wound healing
7. Being weak against infections