What is your Hemoglobin A1C and how close are you to reaching your goal? The hemoglobin A1C test–also called HbA1c, or glycohemoglobin–is an important blood test used to evaluate diabetic control. Because the Hemoglobin A1C provides an average of your blood sugar control over a six-to-12 week period, it serves as a valuable tool for physicians when they make decisions about adjustments in medication and the regimen of diet and exercise.
Is there a goal for the Hemoglobin A1C Test?
While there is some difference in individual laboratories, for people without diabetes, the normal range for the hemoglobin A1C test is usually less than 5.7. Physicians have accepted the research which shows the risk of complications from diabetes increases as the hemoglobin A1C increases. . While the goal of less than 7 has been set and used as a standard, some groups will do better with higher numbers and some with a hemoglobin A1C less than 7%. Individuals will have to balance the risk of an increased chance of developing complications from a high hemoglobin A1C against the risk of hypoglycemia, or low sugar. If a person with diabetes lowers his hemoglobin A1C, he will increase the chance of developing hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar.
People with diabetes should have this test every three months to determine whether their blood sugars have reached the target level of control. You should work with your health car provider to determine your target for the hemoglobin A1C. Please comment and let us know how you are doing with your diabetic control, your general health as well as your hemoglobin A1C.
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