A1C Chart: A Guide to Understanding Your Results
The A1C chart is a valuable tool for understanding your blood sugar control. It measures the average amount of glucose attached to your hemoglobin, the protein in your blood that carries oxygen. A high A1C level means that you have too much glucose in your blood, which can lead to complications such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease.
Understanding the A1C Chart & Levels
The A1C chart is shown below:
| A1C (%) | Estimated Average Glucose (mg/dL) |
|---|---|
| < 5.7 | < 117 |
| 5.7 – 6.4 | 117 – 125 |
| 6.5 – 7.0 | 126 – 149 |
| 7.1 – 8.0 | 150 – 179 |
| 8.1 – 9.0 | 180 – 209 |
| > 9.0 | > 210 |
If your A1C level is below 5.7%, your blood sugar levels are in control. If your A1C level is between 5.7% and 6.4%, you have prediabetes. Prediabetes means that you have a higher risk of developing diabetes, but you can still take steps to prevent it. If your A1C level is 6.5% or higher, you have diabetes.
What to do if You Have High A1C Levels
If your A1C levels are high, there are a number of things you can do to lower them:
Eat a healthy diet
This means eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It also means limiting processed foods, sugary drinks, and unhealthy fats.
Exercise regularly
Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
Take your diabetes medications as prescribed
If you have diabetes, you may need to take insulin or other medications to help control your blood sugar levels.
How To Prevent High Ketone Levels
High ketone levels can be a serious complication of diabetes, particularly for people with type 1 diabetes. Here are some things you can do to prevent high ketone levels:
Monitor your blood sugar levels
This is the most important thing you can do to prevent high ketone levels. Aim for a blood sugar level of 70-130 mg/dL before meals and 90-180 mg/dL two hours after meals.
Take your insulin as prescribed
Even if you’re not eating, you still need to take your insulin. Skipping insulin doses can lead to high ketone levels.
Eat a balanced diet
Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet. Limit your intake of processed foods, sugary drinks, and unhealthy fats.
Stay hydrated
Drinking plenty of fluids helps to flush out ketones from your body. Aim to drink eight glasses of water per day.
Exercise regularly
Exercise can help to lower your blood sugar levels and reduce your risk of developing high ketone levels. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
Test for ketones regularly
If you have type 1 diabetes, you should test for ketones at least once a day, and more often if you’re sick or if your blood sugar levels are high.
Know the signs of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
DKA is a serious complication of diabetes that can occur if ketone levels get too high. Signs of DKA include:
- Frequent urination
- Increased thirst
- Dry mouth
- Fruity-smelling breath
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Fatigue
- Rapid breathing
- Confusion
If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
Work with your doctor
Your doctor can help you to create a plan that will help you to manage your blood sugar levels and prevent high ketone levels.
Be prepared for emergencies
Always have a ketone testing kit, insulin, and glucagon on hand. In case of an emergency, know how to contact your doctor or go to the emergency room.
Educate yourself about diabetes
The more you know about diabetes, the better you will be able to manage your condition and prevent complications.
By following these tips, you can help to prevent high ketone levels and stay healthy.
Historical Questions
The A1c test was first developed in the 1960s by Dr. Anthony Cerami and his colleagues at the New York University School of Medicine. They discovered that glucose attaches to hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells. This attachment forms hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), which is a stable form of hemoglobin that does not change over time.
In 1976, Cerami and his colleagues published a paper in the journal Science that described the A1c test. The paper showed that the A1c level was a good reflection of average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months.
The A1c test was initially used to study diabetes complications. However, in the 1980s, it began to be used as a tool for managing diabetes care. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) first recommended the use of the A1c test for diabetes management in 1997.
The development of the A1c chart
The A1c chart was developed in the late 1990s by the National Glycohemoglobin Standardization Program (NGSP). The NGSP is a collaboration of scientists from around the world who are working to standardize the measurement of HbA1c.
The NGSP developed a reference range for the A1c test. This range is based on the results of studies that have shown that A1c levels below 7% are associated with a reduced risk of diabetes complications.
The NGSP also developed a chart that shows how the A1c level corresponds to the average blood glucose level. This chart is called the A1c conversion chart.
The use of the A1c chart today
The A1c chart is now a widely used tool for managing diabetes. It is used to:
- Set A1c goals
- Monitor diabetes control
- Make adjustments to diabetes treatment
The A1c chart is a valuable tool for people with diabetes and their healthcare providers. It can help to prevent diabetes complications and improve the quality of life for people with diabetes.
Who Created the A1c Chart?
The A1c chart was created by a team of scientists at the National Glycohemoglobin Standardization Program (NGSP). The NGSP is a collaboration of scientists from around the world who are working to standardize the measurement of HbA1c.
The NGSP developed a reference range for the A1c test and a chart that shows how the A1c level corresponds to the average blood glucose level. These tools are used by doctors and people with diabetes to manage diabetes care.
Conclusion
The A1C chart is a valuable tool for understanding your blood sugar control. By monitoring your A1C levels, you can see how well your diabetes treatment plan is working and make changes as needed.
