Diabetic Seniors

Since there are a variety of health concerns associated with Diabetes, it is wise to take whatever precautions available to prevent their occurrence. Aside from the daily blood glucose testing, checking your blood pressure on a regular basis, and seeing your doctor, an additional test for maintaining good Diabetes health is the Hemoglobin A1C test (Also known as the Diabetes A1C test).

Hemoglobin A1C Test Q&A:

1. What is a Diabetes A1C test? The A1C Hemoglobin test is performed on blood drawn during a doctor’s visit. The sample is sent to a lab where the amount of hemoglobin molecules in the red blood cells is tested to determine how much glucose is present in your body over the past 2-3 months.
2. How should I view the results of a hemoglobin A1C test? The A1C amount is stated in percentage. A reading of 9% means that 9% of your hemoglobin molecules are coated in sugar. People without Diabetes have readings around 5%.
3. What does it mean to say that the cells have glycated hemoglobin? When your blood glucose combines with hemoglobin, it is known as being glycated. A glycated cell will remain that way until the end of its life cycle or about 120 days.
4. What is the purpose of a hemoglobin A1C test? Extensive glucose control is important. The Diabetes A1C test gives you a way to check how good you are doing at maintaining the proper blood glucose level. A target goal is a reading of 7%.
5. How long is the memory of the Hemoglobin A1C test? Due to a cell’s life cycle, a Diabetes A1C test shows how your blood glucose levels have been for the past 60-90 days.
6. How long does it take to see an improvement after getting my blood glucose levels where they should? Anywhere from 3 to 4 months will show whatever changes have occurred. This is why it is recommended that you have a hemoglobin A1C test done every 3 months.
7. How are blood glucose testing and Diabetes A1C related? The daily blood glucose levels are like looking at the body of a car, the Hemoglobin is what you find under the hood. If both the body of the vehicle and the engine are in good shape then you have a “healthy” vehicle and can enjoy the trip of a lifetime!

Getting a quarterly Hemoglobin A1C test is one of the best tools you have to help in the prevention of additional diabetic related health issues. Talk to your doctor about how to keep your body running like a finely tuned engine!

Tags: A1c, Diabetes A1C Test, Diabetic Monitoring, Hemoglobin A1C Test, monitoring diabetes