HbA1c is a blood test that helps to determine long term blood glucose in our body. This maker can be used to help determine your risk of Type 2 diabetes.
There is a protein found on our Red Blood Cells (RBC) called glycosylate that helps to transport oxygen throughout our body. This glycosylate molecule also binds with glucose (sugar) in the bloodstream. The lifespan of our RBC's is about 120 days ( 4 months) and therefore reflects the average blood glucose concentration over that time.
Our HbA1c reflects the percentage of our RBC that have bonded with glucose in relationship to the hemoglobin.
What do your numbers mean?
Normal: less than 5.7%
Prediabetes: 5.7% to 6.4%
Diabetes: 6.5% or higher
Studies show that one in three American adults have prediabetes. This is when there is higher than normal blood sugar BUT not high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes. Without intervention (life style changes) most people with prediabetes will develop type 2 diabetes within ten years. This is why it is so important to have your labs drawn and know your numbers. If we know our risk we can make changes toward prevention.
Life style changes include weight loss, increase in physical actiavity and diet changes.
Did you know that makeing these lifestyle changes can reduce your risk of diabetes by as much as 58%!!!
Even losing just 7% of your body weight can reduce your risk of diabetes.
Know your numbers. Get tested so you can make changes now.
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