When a diabetic mentions their A1c level, what does that actually mean? A hemoglobin A1c test is used to average blood glucose levels in diabetics. These test typically show the average of levels over the course of two to three months. A1c testing helps show the levels of glucose in the body over a longer period of time, and allows the endocrinologist to adjust insulin dosage to keep levels in range.
Doctors use this method to help make sure that the amount of insulin being injected into the body is properly being used. Unless the patient has a constant glucose monitor, there is no actual way to tell how much the sugar fluctuates between glucose testing. The average level for an A1c is between 5 percent and 7 percent. During a recent study, it was shown that those with a level below 5.5%, were not considered diabetic. Those with a level greater than 6.2% showed diabetes.1
It is ideal for a diabetic patient to be below 7% on their A1c level. Only a third of patients with diabetes actually achieve that goal, and even fewer actually reach the target levels.2 Levels greater than 8 percent may cause many risks for those with diabetes. It is important for a person’s overall health to keep glucose levels within the normal range. Complications begin to appear when glucose and hemoglobin A1c levels become too high. References:
- Jeppsson, J. O., Jerntorp, P., Sundkvist, G., Englund, H., & Nylund, V. (1986). Measurement of hemoglobin A1c by a new liquid-chromatographic assay: methodology, clinical utility, and relation to glucose tolerance evaluated. Clinical Chemistry, 32(10), 1867-1872.
- Brownlee, M., & Hirsch, I. B. (2006). Glycemic variability: a hemoglobin A1c–independent risk factor for diabetic complications. Jama, 295(14), 1707-1708.
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