WHAT IS YOUR HbA1c?

HbA1c, or hemoglobin A1c, is a blood test (only done in the lab) used to measure a person’s average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months. It’s commonly used to diagnose and monitor diabetes, particularly type 1 and Type 2.

It’s the number you *HAVE TO KNOW*, so you can take control when reversing your T2 diabetes!  Please speak to your doctor if you don’t know what this number is (measured in %).  It’s your right to know.

Here’s how it works:

When glucose (sugar) is in the bloodstream, it attaches to hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. The amount of glucose that combines with this hemoglobin over time is directly proportional to the total amount of sugar in a person’s blood. The HbA1c test measures the percentage of red blood cells that are coated with sugar.

This test provides a longer-term picture of blood sugar levels compared to regular blood sugar tests, which measure levels at a specific moment. For someone with diabetes, maintaining a lower HbA1c level generally indicates better blood sugar control and a lower risk of complications associated with high blood sugar levels, like nerve damage, kidney problems, and cardiovascular issues.

Doctors use HbA1c results to tailor treatment plans, set goals for blood sugar control, and assess the effectiveness of diabetes management strategies like diet, exercise, and medication.

HbA1c Levels:

• Less than 6% is usually Non Diabetic. 5.5% or less is an optimal number
• between 6% – 7.9% is Pre Diabetic
• 8% and *over* is full blown diabetic