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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.

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 ( 9 )
2489097839
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
meridenscrafts wrote:

what about excercising with a wII, bowling, baseball, tennis, golf, Reel fishing

2/25/2010 10:35:19 AM Report Abuse
anonymous wrote:

I have diabetes type2 my a1c was 6.0 and tring to bring it down it varies 6.1=6.2= No meds and I am diabetic per my DR.

2/23/2010 08:17:27 PM Report Abuse
tiddlywinks2 wrote:

Every one who has commented needs to find an RN(nurse) or RD(dietitian) who is also a CDE (certified diabetes educator) Don't go the journey alone

2/23/2010 07:43:19 PM Report Abuse
gaylerogers wrote:

These are wonderful questions. Where in the hell are the answers?!

2/23/2010 05:55:25 PM Report Abuse

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annm517 says:
exercise is good-anything that gets you up and moving. Increasing heart rate is important if you can......
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!
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