This A1c test measures a diabetes patient's total glycated hemoglobin (A1c) and accurately measures the average blood glucose (blood sugar) level over the previous 60 to 90 days.

Although a diabetic's daily blood sugar reading is an important real-time monitor, it is only the first of two very important disease management numbers.  The other is the A1c.

Blood sugar binds irreversibly to hemoglobin to form what is called a glycated hemoglobin complex. This complex is very stable and can be analyzed at predetermined intervals (usually 90 days) to determine the patient's overall blood sugar control.

The recommended goal for diabetes patient's should be to keep daily blood glucose levels near the normal range of 70 mg/dl to 120 mg/dl before meals and under 140 mg/dl at 2 hours after eating. 

An A1c number above 8.0% is considered poor blood sugar control, while 7.0% or lower is the ideal and usually considered the goal for most diabetics.  The A1c results should be used by the patient and his or her doctor to develop or modify treatment strategies.

Diabetes is an insidious and terribly damaging disease.  It usually takes its toll slowly, gradually attacking the eyes, organs, and extremities. Continuous control is a must!  The Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT) has shown that the lower the A1c number, the better are the patient's chances of slowing or even preventing serious damage to the eyes, nerves, and kidneys.  Any improvement in A1c levels has the potential to reduce complications.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends the A1c test as the best way to determine if a patient's blood sugar is under control over time.  The ADA further recommends that an A1c test be performed every 3 months for patients on insulin, during treatment changes, or during periods when blood sugar levels have been recorded as high.  Patients taking oral medications, with stable blood sugar levels, should take the test every 6 months.