A1c Test May Be Better for Long-Term Diabetes Care
More people need to know about the test for A1c -- or glycated hemoglobin -- that has revolutionized diabetes care.
Various health organizations have been stressing the importance of A1c in recent years. The U. S. Department of Health and Human Services partnered with the ADA to develop the "ABCs of Diabetes Program," encouraging regular monitoring of A1c, blood pressure, and cholesterol. More recently, the American Association of Diabetes Educators began the "Aim. Believe. Achieve. Diabetes A1c Initiative," a national educational campaign to raise awareness about the A1c test.
Given the importance of the A1c and the risks of diabetes, you must get your doctor to tell you what your A1c is and, if it's too high, what you can do to lower it. Experts stress the importance of aggressive management of diabetes, and you may have to push yourself and your doctor to achieve a better A1c level.
"There are still some doctors out there who don't understand what A1c targets should be or how to achieve them," says Kaufman. "If you've got a high A1c and your healthcare provider isn't helping you, it's time to get a consultation with somebody else."
Originally published March 17, 2003.
Medically updated June 18, 2004.
Beyond Blood Sugar: Testing A1c
More people need to know about the test for A1c -- or glycated hemoglobin -- that has revolutionized diabetes care.
Taking Action
Various health organizations have been stressing the importance of A1c in recent years. The U. S. Department of Health and Human Services partnered with the ADA to develop the "ABCs of Diabetes Program," encouraging regular monitoring of A1c, blood pressure, and cholesterol. More recently, the American Association of Diabetes Educators began the "Aim. Believe. Achieve. Diabetes A1c Initiative," a national educational campaign to raise awareness about the A1c test.
Given the importance of the A1c and the risks of diabetes, you must get your doctor to tell you what your A1c is and, if it's too high, what you can do to lower it. Experts stress the importance of aggressive management of diabetes, and you may have to push yourself and your doctor to achieve a better A1c level.
"There are still some doctors out there who don't understand what A1c targets should be or how to achieve them," says Kaufman. "If you've got a high A1c and your healthcare provider isn't helping you, it's time to get a consultation with somebody else."
Originally published March 17, 2003.
Medically updated June 18, 2004.
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