What Is An A1C Test: If your physician has recommended that you have an A1c test, it may be the first time that you have ever heard this term and would like to know more about it before you have the test.
As diabetes is a very serious condition which has the potential to cause even more serious complications, keeping it “in check” by monitoring it on a regular basis is absolutely essential for the sake of your longterm health. An A1c test is a very positive aid in the process of monitoring the specifics of your diabetes.
If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, having an A1c test performed immediately is preferred. The reason for this is so that your physician can monitor whether or not any changes occur after the initial onset of your diagnosis. If he concludes that you should have this test on a regular basis, such as a number of times each year, this is to alert him to any changes, whether small or significant, so that he can proceed with whichever type of treatment he deems necessary in your specific circumstances.
An A1c test is a procedure to check and keep track of the glucose level in your blood by measuring your hemoglobin-A. This test is one of the surest methods of calculating the progress of your diabetes. While other testing methods, such as urine samples, can detect the presence of high blood sugar, the A1c test is much more comprehensive, thorough, and will provide much more accurate results in determining the overall state of your diabetes.
There are two methods of performing the A1c test; while the choice of which method is most appropriate is usually at the physician’s discretion, most physicians will consider your preference. In other words, some people may intensely dislike or fear the process of blood-drawing, while others do not have an issue with it at all. The A1c test may be performed by drawing blood from the arm, or by a needle-prick to a finger. Once the blood sample is collected, it is then analyzed for its hemoglobin concentration.
Although the A1c test is primarily used for patients who have been diagnosed with diabetes, it is also a good idea for anyone who has pre-diabetes or hypoglycemia. If you fall into either of these categories, keeping track of your glucose level in this manner is a very positive way for your physician to determine, as early as possible, if your condition has changed or progressed into diabetes.
While the medical aspect of an A1c test may sound overwhelming, it need not be– a good way to look at it is that the best method of preventing serious complications from diabetes is with early and regular testing. This one minor test can help your physician to spot a change before it has the chance to become a serious problem, and then to be able to recommend the best treatment accordingly. The A1c test is an essential diagnostic tool which can help to keep you healthier!
