Continuing to cover this base for Sugar Daddy's and others benefit, here is something I found on "
www.diabetes.com" when I did a google search for "how is the A1c test done".
"The tests you do at home show your blood sugar level at that moment. The A1C test shows your average blood sugar level over the
past two or three months. It's the best way to see how well your type 2 diabetes is controlled.
It usually takes two to three months to see changes in your A1C. So, you may get this test two to four times a year, depending on how well your treatment is working. The A1C blood test is usually done at your doctor's office.
The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) recommends that people with type 2 diabetes reach an A1C goal of 6.5% or less. Reaching this goal is important, since every 1% increase above 6% raises your risk for diabetes complications (see list below). You and your doctor will set a goal that's right for you. If your levels rise above your personal goal, you may need to change your diabetes medicine, or add new medicine and review your Treatment Plan.
The chart below shows how an average daily blood sugar number might compare to an A1C number. (Note that these blood sugar numbers are for tests done in a lab. If you test your blood sugar at home, your numbers may be a little lower.) "
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Good blood sugar control can reduce your risk of serious health complications from type 2 diabetes, like:
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Heart disease and stroke. Adults with type 2 diabetes are more likely to have heart disease or a stroke. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in people with diabetes.
•
High blood pressure. Many adults with diabetes have high blood pressure or take prescription medicine(s) for high blood pressure.
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Eye problems. People with diabetes are at risk for cataracts, glaucoma, and problems with the retina (retinopathy), which can reduce vision or cause blindness. Diabetes is the leading cause of new cases of blindness in adults ages 20 to 74.
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Kidney damage. Diabetes is the leading cause of severe kidney disease.
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Nerve damage. Many people with diabetes have some nerve damage. This shows up as numbness or tingling in the feet or hands. You may not feel pain well, so sores can get worse and get infected. Severe nerve damage in people with diabetes is a major cause of leg and foot amputations.
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Infections. People with diabetes may be at greater risk for infection and death from infections. High blood sugar may make it harder for your body to fight infections. People with diabetes may be at a greater risk for getting many other illnesses. Once they get these illnesses, they have more trouble getting better.
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Gum disease. Because infections are harder to fight, you’re more likely to develop gum disease.
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Problems in pregnancy. Diabetes that isn’t managed well, before pregnancy and during pregnancy, can cause birth defects and miscarriages. During the later parts of pregnancy, poorly controlled diabetes can lead to very large babies, which is risky for both mother and child.
. Very much in the danger zone. I was immediately put on medication (Metformin, 1000mg morning/evening). By the time I went into my first medical in Mid May, I was back down to a safer 6.6.
