If diabetes or a pre-diabetic condition is suspected, then a medical provider may order an AIC blood test to determine what glucose levels happen to be within the blood. Unlike other glucose testing methods, the AIC blood test, which is also known as the A1C test, will measure the average sugar levels over a period of 2-3 months instead. This gives a medical provider a better indication of how well an individual is managing their diabetes.
It works because it measures the amount of sugar that binds itself to the hemoglobin within the blood. These are the red blood cells which carry oxygen to all of the different areas of the body. When more sugars are present in the body for a prolonged period of time, which is common when Type 2 diabetes is present, then this blood test can detect that.
When Should I See a Doctor About the AIC Blood Test?
The signs and symptoms of diabetes can sometimes be subtle and go unnoticed for some time. The two most common symptoms are an increased thirst and increased urination because this is the body’s defense mechanism to purge extra sugars. Some people may noticed higher levels of fatigue, blurred vision, or injuries that are slow to heal. Infections may be difficult to treat or more infections than normal may occur.
How Is the AIC Blood Test Performed?
The AIC blood test is performed like most other blood tests. A blood draw is taken from the arm and then results are analyzed in a laboratory. A full blood draw is required for this test unlike the daily testing of blood sugars which requires a simple finger prick for most individuals. It is also possible to purchase home testing kits that can measure AIC levels, though they may not be as accurate as laboratory testing.
What Do My AIC Test Results Mean?
Everyone will have AIC test results. That’s because all food and beverages that are consumed are transitioned into becoming sugars that the body can use. For this reason, a normal range of 5% or less on the AIC test is generally considered to be healthy. Any levels below 5% will not typically be considered an indication that diabetes is present.
People above 5% may be considered to be in a pre-diabetic state depending on the medical provider and laboratory standards. The beginning range for pre-diabetic diagnosing is between 5.0-5.7% and extends to 6.0-6.4%. A pre-diabetic diagnosis does not mean that Type 2 diabetes has occurred. It simply means that the individual is at a greater risk of developing diabetes in the future.
Any test results that are 6.5% or higher is generally considered to be enough information to diagnose Type 2 diabetes. Some medical providers may choose to hold off on an official diagnosis if other blood sugar levels are normal as long as the AIC blood test does not exceed 7%. Anything above 7% is always classified as diabetes.
Once diabetes has been diagnosed, a medical provider may order the AIC blood test for routine testing up to 4 times per year. This is to monitor how the disease is being managed. Most medical providers will set a goal of keeping AIC levels around 7%, but there may be individual goals to meet. Someone with an AIC of 10%, for example, may have a goal set for them to reduce it to 9% over the course of 6-12 months.
Here’s What You Need to Know
Certain health conditions render the AIC blood test to be less reliable. If someone has what is known as brittle diabetes, then the AIC blood test results will not be reliable. Having hemoglobin variants, such as sickle cell disease will also limit the usefulness of the test because there is a decreased amount of normal red blood cells available.
Anemia may also affect test results, as can conditions which cause heavy bleeding. Iron deficiencies create results on the AIC blood test that are falsely high.
Recent blood transfusions may also make AIC test results inaccurate. A waiting period of 2-3 months may be required after a transfusion for an accurate determination. If frequent transfusions are necessary, then this test may not be necessary at all and daily monitoring will provide better results because of the frequent changes.
Type 2 diabetes is not anyone’s fault, but it is also a condition that cannot be ignored. By having regular AIC blood tests to help measure results, a treatment plan can be evaluated to determine whether or not diabetes is under control or if it is even a concern that needs to be addressed.