by Dr. Robert Aden

About the author: As a Miami private-practice physician with affiliations at Baptist Hospital of Miami and South Miami Hospital, Dr. Robert Aden maintains board certification in internal medicine and endocrinology. Endocrinologists like Dr. Aden manage a variety of conditions related to endocrine glands and hormone production, such as diabetes, thyroid and adrenal disorders .

As an endocrinologist, I treat many patients seeking management of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Many doctors use the A1c test to diagnose both types of the disease and to monitor the efficacy of treatment modalities. A1c measures the level at which sugar coats your hemoglobin (glycated hemoglobin). When you have higher levels of A1c, it means your body is poorly controlling your blood sugar. Poor blood sugar control may indicate the existence of undiagnosed diabetes, and it may show an increased risk of complications in previously diagnosed diabetes.

The test monitors your average blood sugar levels over a period of a few months in order to obtain a baseline of A1c and an ongoing basis for evaluation of blood sugar management. It can prove invaluable in teaching you how to effectively control your blood sugar levels. In general, your doctor will recommend you take the A1c test two to four times a year depending on the type of diabetes you have and your management strategies.

The test consists of simple blood draw, performed in your physician’s office. A “normal,” non-diabetes A1c level remains between about 4.5 and 5.7 percent, while a result of 6.5 percent or higher indicates diabetes. Talk with your doctor about utilizing A1c to diagnose and manage your disease.