Glucose levels after 2 hours: less than 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L).Glucose levels after 1 hour: less than 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L).Glucose levels fasting : 70 to 100 mg/dL (4 to 5.5 mmol/L).If you have insulin resistance, your body won’t be able to effectively move all that glucose from the blood stream into your cells, therefore, your blood samples will show high blood sugar levels. Then blood samples will be taken at 30 or 60-minute intervals for up to 3 hours after drinking the solution. The results of this test will show how your body breaks down and metabolizes sugar (glucose) and whether or not you have a problem in that area.įor this test, you drink a sweet solution containing 75g of glucose on an empty stomach. If your doctor suspects insulin resistance and diabetes, they may order a glucose tolerance test (also known as an oral glucose tolerance test). Your eAG is exactly what it sounds like-it is an estimate of what your average blood glucose level would from the past 2 to 3 months, all based on your A1c.Īs you can see from the chart below, each A1c level corresponds with an eAG written in the units you may be already used to which makes the result easier to understand. ![]() After all, you get a number written as a percentage that seemingly has no relation to your daily blood sugar levels, plus it doesn’t come in the units you’re used to seeing when self-monitoring your own blood sugar (mg/dL or mmol/L).ĮAG (estimated blood glucose) is the term for a new way to report A1c results-a way that makes a lot more sense. It is understandable that so many people are confused by their A1c results. (Stick around until the end for tips on how to perfect your diet and lifestyle habits). Lifestyle factors like diet and exercise have a massive impact on your blood sugar and A1c levels, which means that the power to better your health is in your own hands. ![]() In fact, we have some great news: you have the power to lower your A1c and reduce your risk for these complications. And very high results in the 9 and 10% range can pose a huge threat to your long-term health.Ĭhronic high blood sugar puts you at risk for complications like nerve damage, kidney damage, amputations, heart failure, and eye problems including blindness.Īlthough this may be alarming to hear, the purpose of this information isn’t to scare you. ![]() So, while an A1c of 7-8% is good, you can still work to get it lower. In general, the higher your A1c is, the more likely you are to develop some of the complications of diabetes. Ultimately, an A1c goal of 6% is a great goal to work toward. In places like Canada, the UK, and Australia, an A1c under 6% is considered “normal,” while values in the range of 6% to 6.4% are indicators of pre-diabetes, and values over 6.5% are a red flag for type 2 diabetes. Unfortunately, the guidelines for a healthy A1c are not universal and they vary between regions. In the United States an A1c in the “normal” range falls under 5.7%, while a measurement of 5.7% to 6.4% may indicate pre-diabetes, and anything over 6.5% is used to diagnose type 2 diabetes. Now that you’re familiar with the purpose of the A1c test, let’s take a look at what your result actually means. These two tests paint a picture of how your blood sugar control is going at the present moment, while A1c shows you a larger picture of how your average glucose is doing overall. Similarly, high fasting glucose levels at the doctor’s office indicate that you may need help with blood sugar control. Self-monitoring your blood sugar levels on a regular basis is a great way to see how different foods and activities influence your blood sugar control and this lets you know when it’s time to change your treatment plan. You may be used to taking daily blood sugar measurements or having your doctor measure your “ fasting blood glucose” levels, but these serve a different function than the A1c test. It is also a helpful tool that allows you to objectively track your progress as you try a new medication or implement lifestyle changes. The A1c test can be used in conjunction with other tests to diagnose both pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Your A1c result is often expressed as a percentage (%), which can be a confusing at first glance, but it is foundational test that you don’t want to skip out on. It’s a blood test that looks at your red blood cells and how much sugar/glucose is attached to them (glycated hemoglobin). ![]() A1c (also seen as HbA1c or Hemoglobin A1c) is a test that provides a snapshot of your average blood sugar levels from the past 2 to 3 months, to give you an overview of how well you’re going with your diabetes management.
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