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By Pat Prijatel
An A1C (pronounced A-one-C) test reflects your average blood sugar or glucose level over the past two to three months. When you check your blood sugar with a meter after fasting and before or after meals, you won't capture all the ups and downs. The A1C, also known as a glycosylated hemoglobin test or HbA1c, offers you an overview to compare with your blood sugar checks.
The American Diabetes Association recommends an A1C test at least twice a year if your blood glucose control is stable and within target. You may want to have the test more frequently (such as every three months) if you and your health care provider are adjusting your diabetes treatment plan, you have diabetes and are considering pregnancy, or you take insulin to manage your blood glucose.
An ideal A1C for people with diabetes is lower than 7 percent, which means an average glucose of 150 mg/dl. Are your readings higher than 7 percent? Use these tips to help get your number in the target range.
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