AFC Raleigh Brier Creek A1C Blood Testing

Helping To Manage Your Diabetes

The A1C test, also known as the hemoglobin A1C or HbA1c test, is a simple blood test that measures your average blood sugar levels over the past three months. This test is used tests to diagnose prediabetes and diabetes and to monitor and manage diabetes. Higher A1C levels are linked to diabetes complications, so reaching and maintaining your individual A1C goal is important if you have diabetes. If you have diabetes, get your A1C tested in addition to your regular blood sugar self-testing. AFC Raleigh Brier Creek can help you monitor and manage your diabetes by testing your A1C levels.

What Does A1C Measure?

A1C measures the amount of hemoglobin in the blood that has glucose attached to it. Hemoglobin is a protein found inside red blood cells that carries oxygen to the body. Hemoglobin cells are constantly dying and regenerating and have a lifespan of about three months. Since glucose attaches to hemoglobin, so the record of how much glucose also lasts for about three months. If there’s too much glucose attached to the hemoglobin cells, you’ll have a high A1C. If the amount of glucose is normal, your A1C will be normal. AFC Raleigh Brier Creek can test your A1C and let you know how you are managing your diabetes.

What Does My A1C Mean?

A1C test results give you a picture of your average blood sugar level over the past two to three months. The higher the percentage, the greater your risk of developing diabetes complications. Your doctor will tell you how often you need the A1C test, but if you're not meeting your goals or you change treatments, you may need to get an A1C test more often. AFC Raleigh Brier Creek can help you manage your diabetes.

There's no perfect A1C number. A1C target levels vary by age and other factors, and your target may be different from someone else's. Your A1C test result is given in percentages. The goal for most adults with diabetes is an A1C that is less than 7%.

If you have diabetes:

• Have an A1C test at least twice a year or as directed by your doctor
• A1C goal is below 7% or as indicated by your doctor
• If your A1C result is too high, you may need to change your diabetes care plan

For those without diabetes:

• Normal A1C level is below 5.7%
• Prediabetes is between 5.7 to 6.4%.
• Type 2 diabetes is diagnosed above 6.5%

How Does AFC Raleigh Brier Creek Test A1C?

A1C is measured by a simple blood test. The A1C test does not require fasting and can be done at any time of day.

What Can Affect Your A1C Result?

Several factors besides blood sugar can increase or decrease your A1C result. If you have one of these conditions, let your provider at AFC Raleigh Brier Creek know so that it can be noted in the test results. These conditions may include:

• Kidney failure
• Liver disease
• Severe anemia
• Sickle cell anemia or thalassemia
• Certain medicines, including opioids and some HIV medications
• Blood loss or blood transfusions
• Early or late pregnancy

Manage Your Diabetes

The only way to ensure you stay as healthy as possible is to stay on top of your diabetes with blood tests and follow your doctor’s instructions between A1C testing at AFC Raleigh Brier Creek. You can be sure you are doing all you can if you:

• Eat the right foods in the correct portion sizes
• If necessary, lose weight - even a couple of pounds makes a difference
• Exercise regularly - even a walk helps
• Stick to a regular eating schedule
• Take medications as directed by your doctor
• Quit smoking
• Monitor your blood sugar at home
• Get your A1C tested regularly