A1C & You - About A1C

Know Your A1C Level

Do you know what your A1C level is?

The American Diabetes Association recommends people with diabetes have an A1C level of less than 7%. For patients whose therapy has changed or who are not meeting their blood sugar goals, the A1C test should be performed quarterly. The A1C test should be performed at least two times a year in patients who are meeting treatment goals and who have stable blood sugar control. Over half of patients with diabetes who get their A1C tested have an A1C level higher than 7%.[1] Few patients with diabetes know their A1C level. A study conducted in the United States found that only 24% of patients knew their last A1C result.[2]

 

Many patients with diabetes are unaware of their A1C levels

Patients who knew their last A1C level reported better assessment of their blood sugar control than those who did not (adjusted odds ratio 1.59)

 

 

Ask your doctor what your A1C level is.