When we think of testing for diabetes, an image of a glucose measurement tool usually comes to mind. Prick a finger, put the blood into the test strip, and then get the results. This is actually a blood test that is happening every time that blood sugar reading is displayed. It’s officially a C1A blood test and the results will help a patient with diabetes or a pre-diabetic condition to keep blood sugars down. It may be used once per day, after meals, or on another specific schedule based on specific patient needs.
What Are the Normal Results of the C1A Blood Test?
For a vast majority of people, a normal reading on the C1A blood test will fall between 70-120. Blood sugar levels tend to spike after someone has eaten a meal, so as long as the reading is under 140, it will still be considered normal as long as the reading is within 2 hours of eating. Glucose levels are usually tested after meals and at bedtime to avoid a potential medical emergency.
If the blood test has a number that is above 140, a patient may be recommended to get some extra exercise that day. The exercise can help the body metabolize some of the extra sugars and lower the actual number back into the normal range. For those with Type 2 diabetes that regularly exceeds the 140 mark, different medications may be prescribed to help force blood sugar levels down to more normal levels.
If the C1A blood test is below 70, then this is an indication that someone needs to eat something. In the 50-70 below normal range, something as simple as a glass of orange juice can generally rectify the situation. In the 0-50 range, there are glucose gels that may be prescribed so that glucose levels can be immediately raised toward the normal range.
My Doctor Asked For Hemoglobin Measurements
Sometimes the ongoing maintenance isn’t enough to determine how well someone is progressing with their diabetes treatment. A normal reading can also be achieved when someone is pre-diabetic. By measuring the hemoglobin with a blood draw, a better look at what the average blood sugar levels have been for the last 90 days can give a doctor a better view of what a patient’s person health happens to be.
This works because sugar sticks to stuff. If you get sugar wet, you’ll see that it becomes sticky and it adheres to whatever it happens to be sitting on. The same thing happens within the body. Sugars will stick to the red blood cells that circulate constantly throughout the day, delivering oxygen. How much sugar is stuck to the cells is an indicator of whether or not diabetes is present.
The normal range for this long-term average of the blood test is between 4-5.9%. Most people are going to fit within this range on the average day. When diabetes is present, however, the results of this blood test will be at 8% or higher. Anything that is above 7% is also considered to be a confirmation of a diabetes diagnosis.
Why Is Knowing These Results So Important?
The average percentage over the last 90 days may not be a 100% accurate screening tool for some individuals, but it is a good measurement of risk within the daily habits of life. For every 1% decrease in the blood test results, there is an associated 10% reduction in risk for long-term health micro-vascular consequences. If someone has a percentage of 11%, which would correspond to an average daily reading of 310 on a blood strip reader, and could lower it to 8%, then their risks would be 30% lower as well.
This risk reduction would still apply in the above example even though the individual will still qualify has having diabetes that was not being controlled properly.
What Can Be Done To Prevent Negative Results?
Although the development of Type 2 diabetes is not anyone’s fault, there are some proactive lifestyle preventions that can be practiced which can reduce the risks of it developing. The most important action to take is to get regular exercise, including a minimum of 150 minutes per week of strenuous exercise or as much as can be tolerated.
Healthy eating habits are also an important part of proactively preventing a positive test result. Low glycemic foods as part of a balanced diet that includes vegetables and fruits and small amounts of protein can also help to reduce long-term risks.
The average person on any average day will have a normal result from the C1A blood test. Use this guide to measure your own results and then seek treatment right away if needed to reduce your risks of long-term health problems.