How to Interpret Your Glycosylated Hemoglobin Results
The Glycosylated Hemoglobin, more commonly known as A1C, test determines your blood sugar levels over a period of three months. The protein hemoglobin, in red blood cells, accumulates glucose over the three-month lifespan of the cell. Unlike daily blood sugar monitoring, the A1C test measures the average levels of blood sugar over the span of the period. Doctors use this information to assess control of blood sugar and to optimize treatment if needed. According to the Mayo Clinic, the A1C test is the primary method for determining if you have diabetes. Therefore, it is recommended that you check your A1C levels twice a year, more if you are at risk to become diabetic.
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Instructions
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Schedule an appointment with your health-care provider to discuss the status of your health and request to have an A1C test done.
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The A1C test does not require any special preparation. You may eat and drink regularly.
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Go to your scheduled appointment. Your health-care provider will take a blood sample, which will be sent to the laboratory for processing.
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Request a copy of your A1C test lab results and/or schedule an appointment for a discussion with your doctor.
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Based on the lab results, determine what your A1C percent level is and compare the number to a reference table of values. Your doctor can give you a reference range or you can consult a table on the website of the Mayo Clinic.
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A normal percentage of A1C levels is between 4.5 and 6 percent. You are considered to have prediabetes if the percentage is between 6 and 6.5 percent. A percentage result of 6.5 or higher indicates you have diabetes.
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If your A1C level is above 6.5 percent and it is the first time you have taken the test, make another A1C test appointment to confirm that you have diabetes.
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Discuss your test results with your doctor and determine what action needs to be taken to preserve your health.
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Tips & Warnings
Although the A1C test is an important determinant of a diagnosis of diabetes, it is not the only factor used.
A1C levels may vary between among laboratories, consider this factor when interpreting results.
Different hemoglobin variants exist. If you have a hemoglobin variant, you might need to have special laboratory processing.
An iron deficiency might skew your A1C results.
If you have a condition involving chronic bleeding, your A1C results might be artificially low.
References
- Photo Credit blood testing image by John Keith from Fotolia.com
