Living a healthy lifestyle is mandatory for those who suffer with diabetes. Being in control of blood sugar levels is not always a easy thing. Individuals who face the possibility of having diabetes, most of the time go through some type of testing. One question that many diabetics have is what is A1C testing and what is it's purpose.
Diabetics may be accustomed to performing their own blood sugar testing at home to manage their blood glucose properly. It does not always add a true indication of what is actually going on inside the body. Physicians are finding themselves administering a test that measures blood sugars over a length of three months. The A1C test is an indicator of whether or not a diabetic treatment plan is actually working.
Individuals should have A1C tests done at least three times a year according to the American Diabetes Association, whether sugar levels are stable or unstable. These tests can be done at a physicians office, where a finger stick is used, and results are usually ready in 10 minutes. Through the use of this test, one can determine whether the diabetic management plans working, or if it needs to be altered.
The test measures the amount of glycated hemoglobin in the blood stream. Glucose usually binds to the glycates of the hemoglobin. The glycated hemoglobin increases depending upon the amount of glucose in the body.
Normal levels to look out for are anything 5.7 or below. Levels that range from 5.7 to 6.4 will most likely point to pre diabetes. Levels that are higher than 6.5 usually will end up with a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis. The goal is lowering A1C levels for a good amount of time.
Every individuals goal is tailor-made for them. Factors such as age, health conditions, and the stage of diabetes play an important part. A common goal is to stay under 7 percent in order to cut the risk of developing eye problems, nerve damage, and other complications. Those who suffer with high blood sugar run the risk of developing problems that can interrupt life as they know it.
It is true that managing diabetes takes a lot of work, but it can be done. When a person is determined and works at it, they will be working on a better way of life for themselves. One just needs to make a change by living a healthy lifestyle.
Ways to lower A1C levels can start with exercise. It is good to exercise for 3o minutes a day. It doesn't have to be a controlled regime, but it can be done by doing something that is enjoyable. The important thing is to just get moving. Eating right is also very beneficial. Eating the right foods such as lean proteins, fruits and vegetable, and getting rid of processed foods can bring tremendous results.
Skipping meals is not an option when trying to stabilize blood sugar. It may cause a fall in blood sugar levels. Make sure that the physicians plan of treatment is being followed as directed, and continue to monitor blood sugars on a consistent basis. When one truly understand the purpose behind A1C testing, the life that they lead can be a lot better.
Diabetics may be accustomed to performing their own blood sugar testing at home to manage their blood glucose properly. It does not always add a true indication of what is actually going on inside the body. Physicians are finding themselves administering a test that measures blood sugars over a length of three months. The A1C test is an indicator of whether or not a diabetic treatment plan is actually working.
Individuals should have A1C tests done at least three times a year according to the American Diabetes Association, whether sugar levels are stable or unstable. These tests can be done at a physicians office, where a finger stick is used, and results are usually ready in 10 minutes. Through the use of this test, one can determine whether the diabetic management plans working, or if it needs to be altered.
The test measures the amount of glycated hemoglobin in the blood stream. Glucose usually binds to the glycates of the hemoglobin. The glycated hemoglobin increases depending upon the amount of glucose in the body.
Normal levels to look out for are anything 5.7 or below. Levels that range from 5.7 to 6.4 will most likely point to pre diabetes. Levels that are higher than 6.5 usually will end up with a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis. The goal is lowering A1C levels for a good amount of time.
Every individuals goal is tailor-made for them. Factors such as age, health conditions, and the stage of diabetes play an important part. A common goal is to stay under 7 percent in order to cut the risk of developing eye problems, nerve damage, and other complications. Those who suffer with high blood sugar run the risk of developing problems that can interrupt life as they know it.
It is true that managing diabetes takes a lot of work, but it can be done. When a person is determined and works at it, they will be working on a better way of life for themselves. One just needs to make a change by living a healthy lifestyle.
Ways to lower A1C levels can start with exercise. It is good to exercise for 3o minutes a day. It doesn't have to be a controlled regime, but it can be done by doing something that is enjoyable. The important thing is to just get moving. Eating right is also very beneficial. Eating the right foods such as lean proteins, fruits and vegetable, and getting rid of processed foods can bring tremendous results.
Skipping meals is not an option when trying to stabilize blood sugar. It may cause a fall in blood sugar levels. Make sure that the physicians plan of treatment is being followed as directed, and continue to monitor blood sugars on a consistent basis. When one truly understand the purpose behind A1C testing, the life that they lead can be a lot better.
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