Are you Type 2 Diabetic or Pre-Diabetic?
How do we find out if you are diabetic - Type 2 or Pre-diabetic
The A1C test—the hemoglobin A1C or HbA1c test—is a simple blood test that measures your average blood sugar levels over the past three months. It's one of the most commonly used tests to diagnose prediabetes and diabetes. Ask your doctor to do an A1C test. Or go to a lab that can do it. The cheapest way I found is Walmart Pharmacy- they will do a walk-in A1C test without any doctor's prescription and tell you the results immediately.
Normal A1C : Below 5.7%
Prediabetes A1C : 5.7% to 6.4%
Diabetes A1C : 6.5% or above
My A1C in March 23 was 5.9% and I fall under pre-diabetes managed without any medication for the last 1000 plus days.
A normal A1C level below 5.7% is a healthy person free from diabetes. A level of 5.7% to 6.4% indicates prediabetes and a level of 6.5% or more indicates diabetes.
Within the 5.7% to 6.4% prediabetes range, the higher your A1C, the greater your risk is for developing type 2 diabetes.
A1C results vs. Blood sugar meter reading
Your A1C result can also be reported as estimated average glucose (eAG), the same numbers (mg/dL) you’re used to seeing on your blood sugar meter. You can buy a blood sugar meter from any pharmacy and your doctor can prescribe it.
A1C (%) eAG (mg/dL)
5 97
5.5 111
6 126
6.5 140
7 154
7.5 169
8 183
8.5 197
9 212
9.5 226
10 240
10.5 255
11 269
11.5 283
12 298
YOUR A1C GOAL
According to CDC, the goal for most people with diabetes is 7% or less. However, your personal goal will depend on many things, such as your age and any other medical conditions. Work with your doctor to set your own individual A1C goal.
Pre-diabetics should work to keep their A1C below 5.7%
Common diabetes complications:
Common diabetes health complications include heart disease, chronic kidney disease, nerve damage, and other problems with feet, oral health, vision, hearing, and mental health.