How Can people A1C test measures the body’s average blood sugar levels over the past 3 months. High A1C levels are a risk for diabetes and other complications. Lifestyle changes can help manage A1C levels.
The A1C test, also known as the hemoglobin A1C, HbA1C, glycated hemoglobin, or glycohemoglobin test, measures the amount of sugar attached to hemoglobin in the blood.
Hemoglobin is a protein present in red blood cells (RBCs), and sugar naturally attaches to it. However, as people with higher blood sugar levels have more sugar-coated hemoglobin, it is a useful test to help check and monitor diabetes status.
As higher A1C levels are often associated with diabetes complications, it is important to reach and maintain target A1C results. An individual’s personal A1C goal will depend on many factors, including age and any other medical conditions. Although it is an important tool for managing diabetes, testing A1C levels does not replace other strategies, such as regular blood sugar testing at home.
A person can work toward lowering and maintaining their A1C level by following their treatment plan, getting regular physical exercise, and taking steps to lose weight, if the doctor has advised doing so.
In this article, we discuss healthy and concerning A1C levels, the possible complications of high levels, and strategies to reduce A1C levels.
A1C results represent how well the body is maintaining blood glucose levels by showing the average percentage of sugar-bound hemoglobin in a blood sample. A higher A1C level suggests a higher risk of diabetes and its complications.
When discussing A1C levels, a doctor may also refer to estimated average glucose, or eAG. The eAG corresponds to A1C, but it appears as milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl), as with blood sugar. Both A1C and eAG refer to a person’s average 3-month blood glucose levels.
However, A1C level recommendations can vary among individuals due to a number of factors. What may be high for one person might be within range for another person.
For example, people with more advanced diabetes will have higher A1C targets than those without diabetes. Various underlying conditions, including blood disorders, can also have an effect, as can potentially modifiable factors, such as stress, medications, and lifestyle changes.
A person with an A1C level indicating prediabetes may wish to consider making lifestyle changes, such as adopting a well-balanced diet and staying active, to help manage or even reverse the condition before it progresses to type 2 diabetes.
If a person has a higher A1C level, suggesting diabetes, it is advisable for them to contact a doctor. The doctor will be able to run further diagnostic tests to confirm the person’s diabetes status.
The A1C goal for most people with diabetes is 7% or less.
However, personal targets can vary, and a diabetes care team may consider other factors to help a person set their own individual goals.
If a person with diabetes has an A1C test result that is much higher than their set target, a doctor can help advise lifestyle and medication changes to lower their A1C level.
