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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Pre-diabetics should work to keep their A1C below 5.7%
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Common diabetes complications:
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Common diabetes health complications include heart disease, chronic kidney disease, nerve damage, and other problems with feet, oral health, vision, hearing, and mental health.