Note: This information was provided by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE), whose headquarters is in Jacksonville, Florida. To contact the AACE, telephone: (904) 353-7878; website: www.aace.com
What is the A1C test?
The HbA1c test, or "A1C" test, for short, is a blood sugar test that
measures a person's average blood sugar levels over the previous two or three
months. It is often taken in a doctor's office. The A1C test is a complement
to the daily blood sugar monitoring that people with type 2 diabetes take at
home on their own. The A1C test can be described as taking a semester exam versus
a daily quiz.
Why is the A1C test important?
The A1C test can tell if blood sugar levels are close to normal or too high.
It provides an indication of blood sugar control over the previous two- to three-month
period. The A1C test can help predict the risk of developing long-term, diabetes-related
complications. As such, it is important to set and meet A1C goals. Together,
A1C results and daily blood monitoring help physicians make adjustments to the
management plan for a person with type 2 diabetes.
What is the target level for A1C?
The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) recommends people
with type 2 diabetes reach an A1C goal of 6.5% or less. Achieving this goal
is important, since every 1% increase above 6% elevates the risk of diabetes-related
complications such as stroke, heart attack and loss of limbs. It is important,
however, that people with type 2 diabetes speak with their doctor or other healthcare
professional about setting their own personal A1C goal.
What if the A1C target is not being reached?
Depending on A1C levels, a doctor (such as an endocrinologist who specializes
in diabetes care) or other healthcare professional may prescribe medicine(s)
particularly when diet and exercise are not working adequately, to help manage
type 2 diabetes. A combination of drug therapies that work in different ways
may be prescribed to help improve blood sugar control.
How often should A1C levels be tested?
AACE recommends people with type 2 diabetes take an A1C test at least
quarterly. A doctor may give the A1C test more or less frequently, depending
on person's circumstances, for example, if a person is above A1C target or undergoing
a change in medication.
What is the difference between A1C levels and average blood sugar levels?
A1C measures long-term blood sugar control (over the previous two to three months),
while a blood sugar test measures the levels of sugar in the blood only at the
time of the test. The attached chart shows how an average daily blood sugar
number might compare to a two- to three-month A1C number.