A1C Basics

The best measure of blood glucose control is a simple laboratory test called the A1C. On-target blood glucose control helps you feel your best and avoid complications.

By Marsha McCulloch, R.D.

What Is A1C?

An A1C (pronounced A-one-C) test reflects your average blood glucose level over the past two to three months. Even when you test your blood glucose at home as directed by your doctor, you may not capture all the ups and downs. The A1C, also known as a glycosylated hemoglobin test or HbA1c, gives a more complete picture.

The test requires a small blood sample (no fasting is necessary) that's analyzed by a laboratory. The test measures glycosylated hemoglobin, or the percentage of hemoglobin molecules in your red blood cells with glucose attached to them. Glucose naturally sticks, or glycosylates, to some of the hemoglobin in red blood cells. When blood glucose is high, more hemoglobin molecules have glucose attached to them. The glucose stays there for the life of the red blood cell (about 120 days), which is why the test covers a three-month period. About 50 percent of the reading, however, reflects just the last 30 days.

Next Page: A1C Target

Comments

Comments (13)

prattsugarpie75 wrote:

anyone who has diabeties there a1c will differ from the other diabetics,everyone will not be comfortable with having the same numbers. Everybody is different.If i have a blood sugar number below 115, I began to get the symptoms of low blood sugar and will have to compensate. what do I do with this?

8/26/2010 08:11:16 AM Report Abuse

peepeye333 wrote:

if your a1c is 6.1 or 6.2 you aren't diabetic. get a second opinion

7/29/2010 05:05:04 PM Report Abuse

millport333 wrote:

anonymous, how can you be diabetic with those A1C numbers,you'd better do more web searches on what is diabetes and how drugs aren't the answer

6/16/2010 07:35:45 AM Report Abuse

pjd-penni wrote:

I am also wondering where the answers are.Why ask if we can't get an answer?

5/11/2010 11:25:50 AM Report Abuse

annm517 wrote:

exercise is good-anything that gets you up and moving. Increasing heart rate is important if you can tolerate this-with cool down though. good idea to find a CDE! not sure. I would find another doctor! is he on medication? Swimming is a fantastic exercise!!! increasing your heart rate for good aerobic workouts is important for keeping your heart healthy and for the exercise. Look online for optimum heartrate goals for your age/weight. Enjoy!

2/26/2010 03:03:57 PM Report Abuse