If you want to be sure you are at low risk of diabetic complications-things like heart attack and stroke, nerve damage in your feet, kidney and eye problems, you should know this one little number:

your A1C

The A1C, sometimes called Hemoglobin A1C, is a lab test that is usually done every 3-6 months. It reflects short-term glucose control and long-term risk of chronic diabetic complications.

I like to think of it this way (makes it easy to understand)…..

Your hemoglobin molecule is part of your blood and lives for 2-3 months. During that time sugar in your blood (glucose) attaches to it. If you have a normal amount of sugar in your blood there will be a thin coating of sugar on the hemoglobin molecule. Think of a M&M with its candy coating. The more sugar in the blood, the thicker the candy coating will be on the M&M. The lab test measures how much sugar is on the hemoglobin molecule and indicates how much sugar has been in the blood 24/7 over the last 2-3 months. The higher the number, the more at risk you are for problems related to high sugar. Elevated glucose damages blood vessels and nerves.

For more info on the A1C test, click here.

Here’s what you should know:

• Your A1C result. Use this information to see if your blood sugars are at a safe level. If not, remember this is just a number and never indicates you are “bad” or a failure. It shows whether you should make changes to your plan or if your current plan is working.
• Target A1C levels are individualized. For most, under 7% is a good goal. Ask your Health Care Provider what your’s should be.
• Testing your glucose levels at home is a great idea for most people but it does not give you information about your overall risk of complications. Your average BG on your at-home meter is an average of the tests you have taken with the meter. Testing at home shows you details, such as what your fasting glucose is when you test fasting, or how eating or exercising affects your glucose, when you test before and after a meal or exercise.
• For every 1% lowering of A1C, there is an average reduction in eye and kidney complications of 40%! Even if you are not at your goal, lowering your A1C, really reduces the chances of chronic problems.
• Take time to find out your A1C number. Diabetes is so easy to ignore but if diabetic complications set in, they can be devastating, and the problems are definitely NOT easy to ignore. Remember that diabetes CAN be controlled. The first step is knowing where you stand with this lab test.

Oh , that reminds me….never think that your diabetes can’t be controlled. I’ve had people tell me:

1. sugars in the 200s are “normal for me”
2. I eat healthy already (and they really do), so there is nothing I can do about my numbers
3. my A1C is lower than it once was (but still above target) and I’m doing good

Learn what you can do to have have your glucose in a safe range!

Here’s what can help:

• Meet with a RDN experienced in working with people with diabetes (it could be me!). We are not the food police and never “take away” your favorite foods. Most people that are new to me, are surprised by this. They think I will have a rigid diet like those touted in the media and on-line. RDNs customize plans based on your lifestyle and preferences. We also look at the whole person, taking into account other health problems that have a nutrition component, like hypertension and heart disease. Studies show that MNT (working with a RDN) lowers A1C an average 1-2%.
• Step up your physical activity. Check with your doctor first.
• Talk to your health care provider about medication changes that will get you to target.

Contact me if you want help lowering your A1C. I love helping people understand diabetes and make changes that that give them energy to enjoy life.