Knowing your A1C

What is A1C?

The A1C test is important for the diagnosis and management of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Along with other blood glucose measurements, the A1C test can show a fuller picture of your blood glucose levels. It gives your health care team information that spans up to 3 months, so it's a good measure of your average blood sugar levels over time.

When you get your A1C result back from the lab, it will be shown as a percentage. If your A1C is at 6.5% or higher, that may mean you have diabetes.

When you get your A1C results back, you may see a blood sugar reading that represents the "estimated Average Glucose" (eAG). An eAG presents your A1C level in numbers similar to how you'd see it on a blood glucose meter.

A1C results let you and your health care professional stay on top of your progress and make any changes that may be necessary. If you want to learn more about A1C and blood glucose, click here. 

Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs)Continuous glucose monitor (CGM)A device that tracks your blood glucose levels all day and night. It works through a tiny sensor put under the skin on the belly or arm. It sends information to a computer, smartphone, or tablet and shows your blood glucose levels at a glance and any changes over a few hours or days. measure the glucose in your interstitial fluidInterstitial fluidThe fluid in between the cells in your tissues. Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) constantly measure the amount of glucose in your interstitial fluid, which is closely related to the amount of glucose in your blood. (fluid in between your cells) through a device that attaches to your body. This measure is closely related to your blood glucose, and it can be used to give you real-time updates for your blood glucose management throughout the day. The continuous monitoring allows you to see your TIRTime in range (TIR)The amount of time you spend in your target blood sugar range without going too low or too high. Measuring your TIR can help you and your doctor understand how daily habits like physical activity impact your blood glucose. The more time you spend in range, the more likely you are to hit your A1C targets and the less likely you are to develop certain complications from diabetes.. This is the percentage of time spent in the target blood glucose range (which is between 70 and 180 mg/dL for most people). Many adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes should aim for a TIR of at least 70%. This means spending about 17 hours a day in your target range, without going too low or too high.

CGMs are recommended for adults with type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes who use insulin. Your doctor may also recommend a CGM if you have type 2 diabetes but do not use insulin.

While A1C checks your blood glucose levels for the past 3 months, CGMs give you a picture of how your levels change on a more consistent basis. This can help you understand the ups and downs of your blood glucose levels over the course of a day. You can see how you're managing glucose levels in real time and adjust your habits and treatment accordingly.

Getting to your goal TIR is important to help manage your blood glucose levels. The more time you spend in range, the less likely you are to develop certain complications like peripheral arterial disease and vision loss. By understanding your TIR, you and your health care professional can get a more detailed picture of your diabetes and manage it better. Learn more about CGMs here.

When you stay on top of your glucose levels, you’re taking care of your overall health, too. That’s because uncontrolled diabetes can cause serious health complications such as heart disease, stroke, vision problems, kidney disease, nerve damage, infections, and dental issues. Here is some good information about taking action to reduce the risk of long-term problems. 

Remember, diabetes changes over time, even when you take care of your health and stay on top of treatment. It's important to continue to monitor your diabetes and talk to your health care professional about adjusting your treatment plan when necessary. If you’d like to learn more about how your body changes as diabetes progresses, be sure to watch this video.