A1c Testing Supplies

An A1C is a simple blood test that can be performed anytime of the day and does not require fasting. An A1C blood test can be performed in an out-patient lab setting, a physician office, or in the privacy of your own home using an at home A1C testing kit.

What Does the A1C Test Measure?

The blood test measures how much hemoglobin (a protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen) is covered in sugar. The higher the A1C, the more out of control your blood sugars are in that 3-month time span. An elevated A1C can increase the amount and severity of diabetes complications.

Common Steps to Use an at Home A1C Test Kit:

1. Store the kit at room temperature away from heat and humidity or results may be inaccurate.
2. Check the expiration date on the box. Your results can be inaccurate if the kit is expired.
3. There are several home kits available on the market. Read and follow the directions for that specific kit for best results.
4. Most at home A1c testing kits come with 2 testing strips. Check to see if you need to refrigerate the second strip until future testing use.
5. Wash hands with warm, soapy water and thoroughly dry hands.
6. Place the droplet of blood from the side of your finger onto the inserted strip. Make sure you use enough blood, or your screen will read "error."
7. Document your result and share with your diabetes care team to enhance your present treatment plan.

A1c at Home Kit: Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages:

• The results are immediate-5 minutes.
• You don’t need to wait the full 3 months to obtain information to tailor your diabetes treatment plan.
• The out of pocket costs may be half those paid in a lab or physician office setting.
• They are easy and convenient.

Disadvantage:

• The accuracy may not be as high as a lab.
• Different at home kits show better accuracy than others.

What Should the A1C Range Be?

1. Normal range: 4.5% - 5.6%
2. Pre-diabetes range: 5.7% - 6.4%
3. Diabetes range: 6.5% or above
4. Controlled diabetes: This range should be discussed with you physician and diabetes team.

Your A1C value should be based on your age, over-all life expectancy, over-all health life quality, existing complications and risk of hypoglycemia. The ADA suggests keeping your A1C as close to 7% or below and the AACE suggests keeping it under 6.5%. Follow your own physician’s recommendations of an A1C level especially if you have a heart condition.

Tips to Help Lower A1C Levels:

• Daily exercise especially 30 minutes after your meal.
• Eating a healthy, whole food, portion controlled diet. Do not skip meals.
• Taking your medications properly and on time.
• Monitoring your daily blood glucose at times suggested by your diabetes team.
• Working with your diabetes care team to meet goals.