Your A1C Went Up—Here’s What to Know

If you've recently had a routine checkup, you may have noticed a number called A1C on your blood-test results.

Maybe your doctor said it was “a little high.” Or perhaps you saw a number like 5.8, 6.2 or 7.1 and weren't sure what it meant.

Don't worry—you don't need a medical degree to understand it.

Think of your A1C as a three-month report card for your blood sugar. Unlike a blood sugar test that tells you what's happening at one particular moment, an A1C gives you a much bigger picture.

What exactly is an A1C?

A1C stands for hemoglobin A1C. It's a simple blood test that estimates your average blood sugar level over roughly the previous two to three months.

The result is given as a percentage.

Why does it cover several months? Sugar in your bloodstream attaches to hemoglobin, a protein found in your red blood cells. Because red blood cells generally live for about three months, measuring this attached sugar gives doctors an idea of your average blood sugar over that period.

That's different from checking your blood sugar with a finger-stick. A finger-stick tells you what your blood sugar is right now. Your A1C tells you more about the overall trend.

What does your A1C number mean?

For diagnosing prediabetes and diabetes, the CDC lists these ranges:

• Below 5.7%: Normal

• 5.7% to 6.4%: Prediabetes

• 6.5% or higher: Diabetes

So, for example, an A1C of 5.5% falls in the normal range, while an A1C of 6.0% is in the prediabetes range.

An A1C of 6.5% or higher is in the diabetes range. However, your doctor may use additional testing and your overall health history when making a diagnosis.

Why is A1C especially important as we get older?

Type 2 diabetes and prediabetes don't always cause obvious symptoms. You can feel perfectly fine while your blood sugar is gradually creeping upward.

That's one reason routine testing matters.

Finding prediabetes early gives you an opportunity to make changes that may prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. And if you already have diabetes, regular A1C testing helps you and your health care team see whether your treatment plan is working.

Keeping blood sugar under control is also important because persistently high blood sugar can contribute to problems involving the heart, kidneys, eyes, nerves and blood vessels.

Does one high A1C mean you've failed?

Absolutely not.

Your A1C is a measurement—not a grade on how well you've lived your life.

One higher-than-expected result doesn't mean you need to panic. It may simply be a signal that it's time to talk with your doctor about what could be changed.

And remember: because A1C reflects several months of blood sugar levels, one piece of cake, one holiday dinner or one unusual week isn't likely to determine your entire result.

What matters is the bigger picture.

What can you do if your A1C is higher than you'd like?

You don't necessarily need to make dramatic changes overnight.

Small, sustainable steps can make a difference.

Take your medications as prescribed

If your doctor has prescribed medication for diabetes or another condition that affects blood sugar, take it as directed. If you're having trouble with side effects, cost or remembering doses, talk with your health care team rather than stopping the medication on your own.

Pay attention to sugary drinks

Soda, sweet tea and other sugar-sweetened beverages can add a surprising amount of sugar to your diet.

Choosing water or an unsweetened beverage more often can be a simple place to start.

Build balanced meals

You don't have to eliminate carbohydrates completely.

Instead, try combining carbohydrate-containing foods with protein and fiber. For example, you might pair whole-grain toast with an egg or add chicken to a salad.

Vegetables, especially non-starchy vegetables such as broccoli, green beans, cauliflower and leafy greens, can also help make meals more filling.

Take a short walk

You don't have to run a marathon to benefit from movement.

Even a short, comfortable walk after a meal can be a useful way to add activity to your day. Start with what is safe and manageable for you, especially if you have balance, joint or other mobility concerns.

Does everyone with diabetes need the same A1C goal?

No.

Although an A1C of 7% or less is a common goal for many people with diabetes, the right target is not necessarily the same for everyone.

Your age, other health conditions, medications and overall health can all matter when your doctor sets your personal goal.

That's particularly important for older adults. Don't assume that someone else's A1C target should be yours.

Ask your health care provider what number is appropriate for you.

How often should you have an A1C test?

It depends on your situation.

For people with diabetes who are meeting their treatment goals, the CDC says an A1C test is generally done about every six months. If treatment has changed or you're having difficulty meeting your goals, testing may be needed about every three months.

Your doctor can tell you what schedule makes sense for you.

One important thing your A1C doesn't tell you

An A1C is useful, but it isn't the whole story.

Because it represents an average, it doesn't show every blood sugar high or low you may experience during the day. That's why some people with diabetes still need to monitor their blood sugar at home.

In other words, think of your A1C as the big picture, while your daily readings can show what's happening along the way.

What if your A1C number doesn't seem to match your blood sugar readings?

Tell your doctor.

Certain health conditions—including severe anemia, kidney or liver disease and some blood disorders—can affect the accuracy of an A1C result. Blood loss or a recent blood transfusion can also affect the number.

That's another reason not to judge your health based on one number alone.

The bottom line

Your A1C is one of the most useful numbers to understand when it comes to blood sugar.

It gives you and your doctor a longer-term look at what's been happening, rather than just a snapshot from one morning.

If your number is higher than you'd like, don't become discouraged. Use it as information—and as an opportunity to have a conversation with your health care team.

A healthier A1C isn't about being perfect. It's about making manageable changes and finding a plan that works for your health and your life.

_________________________________________________________________________

Before you go,

Check out this message from one of our trusted sponsors:

Click here before the offer expires

_________________________________________________________________________