The A1c test is a common blood test that measures your average blood sugar levels over time. It helps monitor glucose and diagnose conditions like prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. This test provides a broader view of blood sugar control than single, immediate glucose readings.
Understanding Your A1c Test
The A1c test, also known as glycated hemoglobin or HbA1c, measures the percentage of hemoglobin in your red blood cells that is coated with sugar. Hemoglobin is a protein within red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen throughout your body. Glucose in the bloodstream naturally attaches to this hemoglobin; the more glucose present, the more it binds to hemoglobin.
Red blood cells live for about two to three months. The A1c test reflects average blood sugar levels over this three-month period. This makes it a valuable tool for long-term assessment, offering a more comprehensive picture than a single reading. The test result is reported as a percentage, with higher percentages indicating higher average blood glucose levels.
What an A1c of 5.6 Signifies
An A1c level below 5.7% is considered normal. The prediabetes range is 5.7% to 6.4%, while 6.5% or higher indicates diabetes. Although 5.6% is just below the prediabetes threshold, it is at the upper end of the normal range, indicating an increased risk for future diabetes.
Prediabetes means blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough for a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. It warns that without intervention, there’s an increased risk of progressing to type 2 diabetes. An A1c of 5.6% suggests your body may struggle to manage glucose, potentially leading to prediabetes without changes. This elevated level also increases the risk of developing complications like heart disease, kidney disease, and nerve damage, even before a full diabetes diagnosis.
Actionable Steps to Support Your Health
Addressing an A1c of 5.6% involves lifestyle modifications to improve blood sugar regulation. Dietary changes play a significant role, focusing on reducing added sugars and refined carbohydrates. Incorporating more fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help stabilize blood sugar levels and promote satiety. Eating lean proteins and healthy fats can also contribute to better blood sugar control by slowing carbohydrate absorption.
Regular physical activity is another strategy to support healthy blood sugar levels. Moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking, helps muscles utilize glucose more efficiently, improving insulin sensitivity. Aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week, spread across most days, is a common recommendation. Weight management also offers benefits, as losing even a small percentage of body weight can reduce the risk of progressing to type 2 diabetes.
Partnering With Your Healthcare Provider
Receiving an A1c result of 5.6% warrants a discussion with your healthcare provider. This result indicates that while not yet in the prediabetes range, it is very close and suggests proactive health management. Your doctor can provide a personalized assessment, taking into account your medical history, other risk factors, and overall health status.
Further tests, such as a fasting glucose test or an oral glucose tolerance test, may be recommended to provide a more complete picture of your glucose metabolism. Based on these findings, your provider can help you develop a tailored management plan, which may include specific dietary guidelines, an exercise regimen, and regular monitoring. Professional medical guidance is important for individualized care and to reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.