Ever since I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, I have had it drilled into my head that my A1C numbers are important. Through a simple blood test, the A1C provides a picture of my glucose control for the past two to three months.
The American Diabetes Association website (diabetes.org) says that the A1C reading is sort of like a baseball player's season batting average. It's a measure of a person's overall success.
It can also confirm self-testing results, help judge whether a person's treatment plan is working and show how healthy choices can make a difference in the progress of the disease.
The diabetes association recommends having the A1C test every three to six months.
To clarify, A1C is not an acronym. It refers to a type of hemoglobin.
Hemoglobin is a protein in the blood that links up (or glycates) with sugars such as glucose. It is found in red blood cells, and its job is to carry oxygen from the lungs to all the cells of the body.
Red blood cells are dying and being formed all the time, but typically each one lasts about three months. So the body cycles these cells every three months or so.
As our blood circulates around the body, sugar in the blood sticks like glue to the hemoglobin. The more glucose, the more hemoglobin gets attached to the red blood cells. The longer a cell circulates, the more sugar it collects. The oldest cells have the most sugar attached.
When the technician takes blood to measure A1C, the sample includes young and old cells. So the test results will reveal an average. And with that average, the patient cannot hide his lack of glucose control from the doctor.
The proof is in the glycated (A1C) hemoglobin.
Some health care providers may list the A1C result as eAG or "estimated average glucose." It is reported as a percent.
However, eAG is not the same level as an average of the readings made daily by a person's glucose monitor. The little monitors measure glucose at one moment in time. The eAG/A1C represents an average of glucose levels 24 hours a day.
The diabetes association suggests an A1C of 7 percent or less as the goal. An A1C of 5.6 to 6.9 is considered prediabetic.
The higher the A1C, the greater the risk for developing complications such as heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease, neuropathy and circulation problems.
The best way to help lower the risk for diabetes complications is to keep blood glucose levels in the target range by monitoring and making adjustments with medicine, meal planning and physical activity.
OFFERING EXTRAS
Many insurance companies offer extras for their enrollees with diabetes. For examples, go to Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield's website (arkansasbluecross.com).
Eligible members can join the insurer's Diabetes Education Program or On the Level Youth Diabetes Program. There are no classes; participants receive relevant information monthly in their mailboxes.
And if you enroll or have in the past it may waive the deductible on glucose-testing supplies.
Blue Cross also offers the Healthy Weigh! Program. And eligible members can register for Blue365, which offers a variety of savings on things like gym memberships, athletic wear, and diet and nutrition programs.
Health insurance is one of those expenses that most people consider a necessity. I sure do. Since I'm diabetic, I am scheduled for an A1C blood test regularly, and I don't get refills on my medication until the results are in.
I am working to eat more healthfully and keep my blood sugar low. I can and will be proactive and hopefully, my effort will be reflected in a terrific A1C.
Email me at:
rboggs@arkansasonline.com
ActiveStyle on 08/15/2016