Preparing for an A1C Test

If you are a diabetic it’s important to keep up with your A1C. This is true for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics. This simple test can provide your doctor or endocrinologist with a better outlook on how your blood sugar numbers have been.  The results are an average of the past few months. And it they can use this information to help you maintain good control. If you have difficulty with high blood sugar levels, your A1C results can also help your doctor determine what needs to be done to get you back on track. 

What is an A1C Test?

An A1C test is also known as an HbA1c test or hemoglobin A1C test. This is a simple blood test that is very similar to testing your blood sugar using your own personal meter. But this test can do much more when it comes to results. An A1C test provides you with your average blood sugar levels for the past 3 months. 

This test can help diagnose prediabetes in those who have yet to be diagnosed with the disease. It can also help to diagnose diabetes in a person who is showing symptoms. This is the primary test that your healthcare team will use to help you manage your diabetes and keep your numbers under control. Consistently high A1C results could lead to a higher risk of complications in the future. So, it’s important that you keep your appointments to have this necessary test. 

Who Should Get an AC test and When?

It is recommended that the following people have a baseline A1C test if they are:

• Adults over the age of 45
• Adults who are under the age of 45 but are overweight.
• If you have more than one risk factors associated with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes  
  

Anyone who has normal A1C results, but are over the age of 45 and have risk factors, should repeat their A1C test every three years. This is also recommended for women who had gestational diabetes. 

If your A1C results show you have prediabetes, discuss with your doctor what you should do to improve your health. Doing so can help lower your risk of developing Type 2. Then repeat the A1C test as often as your physician recommends. This is usually every one to two years. 

If you do not have any symptoms of diabetes, but your A1C result shows that you have prediabetes, you should get a second test on another day. This will confirm if the results are correct. 

If your test shows that you do have diabetes, your doctor will refer you to an endocrinologist who will help you start to manage your diabetes and blood sugar levels. 

Do You Have to Have an A1C Test at Your Physician’s Office? 

It is possible to have an A1C test without visiting your doctor. You can now buy and A1C test kit at most pharmacies that allows you to check your results at home. The test is a little more complex than simply checking your blood sugar using a finger prick. But by following the included instructions, you can have your A1C test results within a matter of minutes. This is a good option if you would like to know about your A1C in between your doctor appointments. 

Learn More About Your A1C Test Results 

Get in touch with our team today if you have questions or concerns about your A1C test results. You can also contact our team prior to your test to learn more about how to prepare. Visit our website or give us a call today for more details.