The A1C test measures the average amount of glucose in your blood over a period of 6 to 9 weeks.
If you are a Type 2 Diebetic you should know your A1C and track your A1C every 3 months. This number allows you to track changes in your diabetic health and make educated appropriate adjustments to your diet, exercise and medication regimens.
Hemoglobin is a component of your blood that sugars bind to in a process called glycation. The Hemoglobin A1C test also know as HbA1C or hemoglobin A1C is a fairly easy way to check the levels of glucose in your blood over time. The binding process builds over 6 to 9 weeks giving the average glucose in your blood stream over time.
The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists recommend that Type 2 Diabetics maintain an A1C below 6.5%. If your A1c is above this level it is recommended that you seek guidance from your physician to adjust your diet, exercise regime and medications.
A1C levels in the 10% to 13% range is considered to be high. Maintaining A1C levels in this range over long periods of time put you at risk for co-morbid diseases such as nephropathy, cardiovascular disease and loss of eyesight or limbs. For more information you can search on the ACE website.
