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Long-Term Complications and A1c Value
Long-Term Complications and A1c ValueAlong with the home blood glucose checks you do everyday, your healthcare team should perform an A1cblood test for you.This blood test shows how well you have managed your blood glucose over the past two to three months andis done at your doctor’s office or a lab.People without diabetes have an A1c below 5.7%.For someone with prediabetes their A1c is 5.7 to 6.4%.And for people with diabetes your A1c level is above 6.5%.“When I was diagnosed with diabetes my A1c level was 11; it was pretty high. My numbers werereading in the 300s so yeah.”When you are first diagnosed, your diabetes care team may perform an A1c test up to 4 times a year.As you manage your blood glucose levels, an A1c test twice a year may give you an accurate picture of yourblood glucose levels and ensure that you are reaching your goals.For most people with diabetes consistently keeping your A1c readings below 7% gives you a better chance ofdelaying or preventing the long-term complications of diabetes like eye disease, heart disease, nerve disease,kidney disease, and amputation.Here’s a chart that can help you understand your A1c results. At 7% or lower you have a low risk ofdeveloping complications. At 8 and a half % you have double the risk and at 10% you have nearly four timesthe risk for complications.For people over 70 or who are at risk of severe hypoglycemia, their healthcare provider may suggest adifferent, often higher A1c target.To keep your A1c levels below 7%, you need to follow your diabetes management plan, which means makinghealthy food choices, getting physical activity, monitoring your blood glucose and taking medications ifnecessary.“Take the meds; exercise; eat the right amount of foods; stay away from a lot of carbs, a lot of sweets,a lot of soda; drink more water, you can do it.”To better understand your A1c number, ask your diabetes care team what your estimated average bloodglucose is. With a little math she can change your A1c percentage into a value like the one you see on yourblood glucose meter.For example, if your A1c is 7% your estimated average blood glucose is 154 mg/dl.Together, you and your diabetes care team can use this number to see how close you are to reaching yourblood glucose goals.This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.HCDB10032B EN LongTermComplicationsAndA1cValue.pdf© The Wellness NetworkPage 1 of 2Long-Term Complications and A1c ValueIf your A1c is higher than 7% or your target A1c level set with your diabetes care team, go over yourmanagement plan with your diabetes care team and make changes if needed.Talk with them about any long-term health concerns you may have, and learn about some steps you can take,or goals you can set to help prevent the long-term complications of diabetes. Achieving your goals can helpyou live a long healthy life.Although Diabetes is complex, it’s manageable when you have the right information and support. Diabeteseducators are trained to be your diabetes expert and can help you learn how to successfully thrive withdiabetes. You deserve nothing less!Ask your provider for a referral today! Find one at www.DiabetesEducator.org/find.This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.HCDB10032B EN LongTermComplicationsAndA1cValue.pdf© The Wellness NetworkPage 2 of 2
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