What is an A1C Test?

blood-collection-1949258_1280So for many years I tried to hide the fact that I knew my blood sugar was elevated after fasting overnight. (In other words, after I wake up.)  I’d eat no sugar the day before I had a physical at the doctor’s office where I knew they would draw blood and ask for a urine sample.  I’d take cinnamon to hopefully make my numbers look better, although that is highly debated as to its affect on sugar.  For years I felt I outsmarted being told I was diabetic.  Ridiculous thinking, really.  I’m not proud of it!

THEN a couple of years ago, the doctor ordered an A1C test.  It basically gives a several month average of your sugar levels.  It does this by measuring how the hemoglobin protein in your blood is coated with sugar.  I couldn’t hide my high blood sugar any longer!

A1C levels are reflected as a percent usually from 5 to 14%. 5% being in the normal range. 6% in the pre-diabetic range.  Anything above 5% … you need to work on!  The higher your A1C percent, the higher the chance for diabetes complications.

It is a good gauge on how well the diabetes is being managed.  And you can’t hide your numbers, so don’t try!

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