Diabetes A1c Test

What is the Diabetes A1c Test?

When a person has diabetes there are a number of tests that are required to help them to remain safe and healthy at all times. If certain things such as blood sugar go out of the safe range, there can be dangerous side effects. With that in mind the diabetes A1c test can help keep a person safe, as it monitors the average blood glucose over the last few months.

Most people who don't have diabetes will find that their normal A1c level will be around the 5% range. For the person with diabetes you will want your results to be between the 6.5% and 7% range. This helps to ensure your levels have remained constant. Anything past the 7% range would mean that damage to the kidneys has begun.

But how do they determine these percentages? Since the A1c test determines blood glucose the tests are looking at those levels. So a person whose glucose on average reads 150 mg/dL would find that the A1C test reports them as having a 7% range result. Since maintained glucose levels tend to be around 126 mg/dL it is understand that a lower percentage should be sought after.

How does the Diabetes A1c Test Works?

Inside the blood cells there is a protein known as Hemoglobin A that delivers oxygen throughout your body. High levels of glucose in the body will begin to stick to these hemoglobin's and they become glycated.

Once attached to a hemoglobin it will remain for the lifespan of the protein cell. Normally the length they remain alive for is around four months or 120 days. Since the glucose remains attached the test allows it to accurately report how much glucose was in the body for a certain period of time. The majority of the figure will be heavily influence by the last month.

The overall levels of glucose in a person don't change from day to day. Typically it is a direct result of your ongoing glucose control. That is why it is important to monitor these levels and do what you can to help keep them in the normal range.

These results aren't necessary every month. A person with uncontrolled diabetes should expect to have this test done once a quarter while a person with controlled results can expect to have it done twice a year, or less depending on their primary doctor. In some circumstances such as changes in treatment, you may be required to have additional testing performed.

How To Understand Your Results?

Initially when you see your results you may be confused as to what they actually mean. As mentioned before the test is used to determine the average glucose amounts that have remained in your body for the last three months. The glucose has left these long-term effects on your body.

Higher levels can lead to potential dangers and illnesses that result from higher levels such as organ failure and death if left uncorrected. These tests allow your doctor to see how you are progressing and if they need to take a new approach at handling your illness.

A patient that has a normal level of glucose over time would receive a six rating for their glucose levels. This means the glucose was reported at a 6% level, which is essentially normal for a well managed diabetes patient.

As the numbers in the result increase so does the levels of glucose. The standard test will cap out at 345 mg/dL or a level 12, which would represent a 12% level of glucose in the blood. A patient who maintains this level stays in a dangerous zone of having serious complications from their diabetes that could include death. Your doctor at this point will administer new meds and recommend additional items to benefit you.

How is the Diabetes A1c Test Administered?

The process for this test is easier than getting the actual results. Since little blood is actually needed the doctor will painlessly draw a small sample of blood. If their office is equipped for it, they can provide you instant results otherwise it may take a few days to get your results back. The entire process takes only a moment and is virtually painless. No fasting is required for this process unlike a standard glucose test.

What Limitations Does The Diabetes A1c Test Have?

The testing cannot break down the daily spikes and falls in your glucose. Daily monitoring is essential to help maintain your overall health. Additionally, the type of test administered and the lab that reviews it will provide different results. This is no replacement for your standard glucose meter.

Additionally these results can be misleading. Since there is no way to determine the actual age of the hemoglobin a newer cell will provide different results from an older cell. If a person has anemia for instance the results will produce a false high where a person with hemolysis will have a lower result.

Other Uses of the Diabetes A1c Test:

In addition to testing the hemoglobin in a known diabetes patient, The American Diabetes Association has recommended this test for individuals as an initial form of testing for individuals to determine if they have diabetes. The reasoning is that a standard glucose test can fluctuate from day to day and under certain circumstances with fasting normal levels of blood glucose can be achieved. The results of the A1c test provide a better picture of the patient's glucose levels over time, and can help to determine if they are affected by the disease.

Remember the overall goal of the A1c test is to measure the levels of glucose associated with the hemoglobin A protein in your body. Even while you are having this test done you should still maintain your current daily testing as well.

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