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 In the ABCs of Diabetes, 'A' Stands for A1C
(ARA) - You probably have heard
that you can prevent diabetes-related complications such as heart,
eye and kidney disease, by maintaining your blood sugar. So you
checked your blood sugar regularly and assumed you were doing
enough. Unfortunately, you were wrong.
Daily finger-prick checks provide
a limited measure of your diabetes management, because the test
is only a snapshot of your health at any moment. The American
Diabetes Association (ADA) urges people with diabetes to take
an A1C test (pronounced A-one-C). This measures average blood
sugar levels over a three-month period and is the only accurate
measure of overall diabetes control.
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A1C is measured in percentages.
People without diabetes have a level of about 5 percent. The
ADA recommends that people with diabetes keep levels below 7
percent. Unfortunately, average levels for Americans with diabetes
are nearly 9 percent, a level at high risk for complications.
Small changes in A1C levels can
make a big difference. Lowering levels just one point can reduce
complications by 30 to 35 percent and cuts the risk of heart
attacks by 18 percent. But each point over 7 doubles that risk. |
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To lower your A1C, consult your
health professional about your specific health needs. You may
need to lose weight, change your meal plan or increase your activity
levels. Medications are often needed to manage blood sugar. Over
time, changes in the types or amounts are necessary to stay on
target. Work closely with your health care team to determine
the best approach.
Test your A1C on a regular basis. Checking levels at least twice
a year, in addition to self-monitoring, will help you see how
well you are managing your diabetes.
The American Diabetes Association and the American College of
Cardiology are partners in an educational initiative called "Make
the Link! Diabetes, Heart Disease and Stroke." Managing
the diabetes ABCs - A1C, Blood pressure and Cholesterol -- will
help reduce your risk for heart attacks and strokes. |
