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Q: Why is the A1C test
important for managing blood sugar?
A: The quantitative measurement
of percent A1C is recognized and well established by the American Diabetes
Association (ADA) as a way to determine a patient's historical glycemic
control profile. Monitoring A1C allows physicians to assess long-term
compliance with prescribed disease management protocols, such as diet,
exercise and medication. The A1C test shows whether the patient's blood
sugar is close to normal or too high.
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Q: What does the A1C test
measure?
A: The A1C test indicates a patient's blood sugar control
over the last 8-12 weeks. A1C is formed when glucose in the blood binds
irreversibly to hemoglobin to form a stable glycated hemoglobin complex.
A1C is only eliminated by the normal replacement of red blood cells, which
have a life span of 90-120 days. A1C values are directly proportional to
the concentration of glucose in the blood over a period of 90 days
and are not subject to the wide fluctuations of blood glucose
monitoring.
Q: Why should patients know their
A1C percentage?
A: If patients know their A1C percentage, they will
know if their blood sugar is under control. A high number, above 8%, is a
sign that the patient should work with the health care provider to change
the treatment plan. A good test result, 7% or lower, is a sign that the
treatment plan is working and blood sugar is under control.
Q: What is the ideal range for the
A1C result?
A: The A1C goal for people with diabetes is less than
7%. A change in a patient's treatment plan is almost always needed if the
test result is over 8%. If patients can lower their A1C numbers by any
amount, they will improve their chances of staying healthy.
Q: How often should the A1C test be
done?
A: People diagnosed as having diabetes should get the A1C
test at least two times a year if their blood sugar is in the target range
and stable. If they are taking insulin, if their treatment changes or if
their blood sugar stays too high, they should get the A1C test at least
every 3 months until their blood sugar level improves.
Q: Is there proof that lowering the
A1C levels can reduce the risk of complications?
A: Both the DCCT
and UKPDS studies showed that the lower the A1C number, the greater the
chances that people with diabetes will slow or prevent the development of
serious eye, kidney and nerve disease. The studies also showed that if
people with diabetes can lower their A1C number by any amount, they will
improve their chances of staying healthy. |
