Importance of Keeping A1C Under Control in Diabetic Patients

Contributed by

Dr Muhammad Yaseen MD(Medicine)

Senior consultant Medicine .

Formerly Prof Dept of Medicine GMC Srinagar Kashmir

A1C Overview:

• Definition: The A1C test (also known as HbA1c or glycated hemoglobin) measures the average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months.
• How It Works: Glucose attaches to hemoglobin A1C cells in red blood cells. The percentage of glycated A1C cells reflects the average blood sugar level.
• Reporting: A1C is expressed as a percentage, unlike daily blood glucose tests which use mg/dL.

Target A1C Levels:

• General Target: The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends an A1C below 7% for most adults.
• Individual Targets: Some may benefit from a tighter target of 6.5%, while others may need a more relaxed goal of around 8%. Discuss with your doctor for personalized goals.

Importance of Self-Monitoring:

• Daily Insights: Regular blood glucose checks are crucial for understanding how food, activity, medications, and stress affect your blood sugar levels.
• Complement to A1C: While A1C provides a long-term view, self-monitoring offers real-time data to manage day-to-day variations.

Frequency of A1C Testing:

• Routine Testing: The ADA suggests at least two A1C tests per year for those with stable diabetes control.
• More Frequent Testing: Quarterly tests are recommended for those who have changed their treatment or are not meeting their glycemic targets.

Benefits of Lowering A1C:

• Reducing Complications: Maintaining a lower A1C can significantly decrease the risk of diabetes-related complications such as neuropathy, retinopathy, nephropathy, and cardiovascular diseases.

Regular A1C testing, combined with frequent self-monitoring, helps manage diabetes effectively and reduces the risk of severe complications. Collaborate closely with your healthcare team to determine the best strategies and targets for your individual needs.