An A1C is a blood test physicians use to check if your a diabetic. A level greater than 6.5 indicates that your a diabetic, and your sugars have been elevated for over a three month time frame. It is always a great idea to remember your A1C levels. The lower the A1C the better your sugar control. The higher the A1C the worse your sugar control. Ideally by eating more healthy, eliminating simple sugars, and exercises will lower your A1C. You just need to be motivated! By remembering your A1C trends you can determine if your improving or heading on a downward spiral.  

Above is a rough diagram that can help you understand the A1C level. If your PCP tells you that you’re A1C is 9.0, this means on a daily basis your sugars are hovering around 215. This is high! Ideally optimal sugar ranges should be in the 115 – 150s. If your not at that level, your primary care doctor needs to adjust your current diabetic regimen and make it tighter to bring you into the more optimal range.

On the flip side, a A1C of 5.0 means your diabetic regimen is to strict. Your medications are to high, and need to be backed off. The reason why, if your current regimen is to strict it can lower your sugars and cause the body to be lethargic, confused, or worse potential death if sugars are to low.

Happy eating, DR SARELA