What the A1C Number Means

Deciphering the Hemoglobin A1C Test Result

Mar 2, 2009 Tina Samuels

This key test can really let the doctor know how well, or how badly, blood sugar levels are controlled.

The Hemoglobin A1C test is used to give the average of the plasma glucose amount over the past three months. This can give a very precise measure of diabetes control. It was first used in the monitoring of diabetes patients in 1976, after many scientific firsts from the first separation of hemoglobin A1C in 1958 and the first time it was described as a characteristic for diabetes in 1969.

Diabetes Test

Having this A1C blood test is paramount in the after care of those diagnosed with diabetes. While a careful log book of highs and lows can give the doctor a generalized overview, the Hemoglobin A1C can give a precise number that shows the average range of blood sugar amounts. This shows how long the patient stays in the high results and how fast they can control it and bring it down to a reasonable number. It shows the diabetics' control over their blood sugar.

A1C Results

The number given by the doctor after the Hemoglobin A1C test is administered is generally between a 4 and a 14. A normal range is a 6; diabetics typically want to see a 6 or 7 to know they’ve controlled their diabetes to a reasonable level. These are the result numbers and the corresponding average of blood sugar by milligrams by deciliter.

4 – 60 mg/dl average
5 – 90 mg/dl average
6 – 120 mg/dl average
7 – 150 mg/dl average
8 – 180 mg/dl average
9 – 210 mg/dl average
10 – 240 mg/dl average
11 – 270 mg/dl average
12 – 300 mg/dl average
13 – 330 mg/dl average
14 – 360 mg/dl average

As the patient is able to see, within the 11 numbers is a range of 300 milligrams of blood glucose levels, a vast range. This can show the doctor if more steps need to be taken in the patient’s diabetes treatment. Flexsite Diagnostic has an At Home A1C Test if a doctor's visit isn't wanted.

When the Test isn’t Advised

Whenever the patient is also diagnosed with certain conditions, or has gone through a recent blood loss, the test doesn’t give accurate results. Those with sickle cell anemia or those with the genetic trait of hemoglobinopathy aren’t suited to the test procedure. This can only be done on those that have normal RBC (red blood cell) processes. Those that have had a treatment alteration or a diet given as part of the treatment may get false results as well. This is not advised to be a complete test for diabetes. It can only be used in conjunction with a fasting blood glucose test done orally and with blood glucose monitoring with finger sticks.

The copyright of the article What the A1C Number Means in General Medicine is owned by Tina Samuels. Permission to republish What the A1C Number Means in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

A1C Blood Test for Diabetes Management