In the USA, doctors recommend that you have your Hemoglobin A1c measured at least twice per year. This simple blood test will tell you an approximation of your blood sugar control for the past 3 months based on the amount of Advanced Glycogenated End-Products (AGEs) that have accumulated in your blood.
The higher your blood sugar levels are, the more AGEs are present. AGEs are also responsible for the development of complications such as retinopathy and neuropathy, because that accumulation will build and irritate crucial nerve-endings.
Now, let’s get back to your A1C:
To help people with diabetes understanding their A1C in real day-to-day terms, the medical world has developed the “eAG” measurement. Estimated Average Glucose. Your eAG will give your A1C reading in a blood sugar level of milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) just like you’re used to seeing on your glucose meter.
The American Diabetes Association has this easy calculator, allowing you to enter and translate your latest A1C to your eAG.
12% = 298 mg/dL (240 – 347)
11% = 269 mg/dL (217 – 314)
10% = 240 mg/dL (193 – 282)
9% = 212 mg/dL (170 –249)
8% = 183 mg/dL (147 – 217)
7% = 154 mg/dL (123 – 185)
6% = 126 mg/dL (100 – 152)
What can you do with that information? It is recommended that people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes achieve an A1C of 7.0 percent or lower for optimal health, and the prevention of complications. This translates to an average blood sugar before and between meals around 70 to 130 mg/dL. And after meals, under 180 mg/dL.
For pregnancy with diabetes, an A1C lower than 6.5 percent is imperative for the healthy development of your baby, and your own health and safety. Post-meal blood sugars for pregnant women is suggested at lower than 120 mg/dL.
A non-diabetic’s A1C is typically around 5.0 percent.
How can you lower your A1C?
- Adjust your medications! Talk to your doctor about your insulin doses or oral medications. If your A1C is higher than 7.0 percent, chances are your body needs more insulin at certain times of the day. This can be achieved by increasing insulin dosage or adjusting medications that help regulate insulin and glucose.
- Get active! Exercise is the number one best way to help your body burn glucose. It not only burns glucose while you’re actually exercising, but it also raises your overall metabolism, even when you’re back on the couch watching T.V. Going for a walk after dinner, for 15 minutes, is a great way to start moving.
- Improve your diet! Too often, we think we have to eat perfectly or we’ve failed completely. But this is not true. For example, reducing the carbohydrates in your diet from 300 grams to 200 grams will have a tremendous impact on your blood sugars. Talk to your medical team before adjusting your diet. Of course, don’t forget that if you’re decreasing carbohydrates, that means you need to increase healthy fats and lean proteins to maintain your calorie intake.
In the end, an A1C is a very important test and number, but it doesn’t mean everything. It’s simply one important tool that tells you if it’s time to make some adjustments in your diabetes management plan. While the test can sometimes feel like a “grade” for our diabetes, it is simply information.
Next, read our Comprehensive Guide to Understanding Your A1c.