Testing for Diabetes
by Youmasu J. Siewe, Ph.D, MPH.
About 17 million Americans have diabetes, and about 14,300 of these diabetics are Oklahomans; another 70,000 Oklahomans are estimated to have diabetes, but do not know they have the disease.
What is diabetes? Diabetes is a complex, crippling but often preventable metabolic health problem that is becoming one of the newest epidemics of the millennium. For more information about diabetes check “articles” on the extension and community health web site at:http://www.fcs.okstate.edu/health/.
What is the A1c test? It is the most important test for people with diabetes. The A1c test can be done in your healthcare provider’s office or local hospital, and shows your average blood sugar level over the last 6-8 weeks. This test measures how much sugar is in your blood cells. If your blood sugar level has been high during the last 6-8 weeks, your A1c level will also be high.
What does the test result mean? It depends on your age, type of diabetes, and other problems you might have. Generally a reading of 7 or less is desired. If your A1c is above 7, your blood sugar level might be too high and you need to talk to your healthcare provider to set goals to lower it. The A1c test can also help you prevent serious diabetes complications, and enable you live a long and healthy life.
What is the difference between the A1c, and the regular blood sugar test? The regular blood sugar test is a snap-shot; it is often done at home or clinic shows your blood sugar reading at the time the test is done. This test is often helpful for immediate action. The A1c test is more helpful because it gives you a better picture of how you are managing your diabetes. It also tells you about your risk for complications of diabetes, and guides you and your team of healthcare providers on how to manage your diabetes.
How often should the A1c test be checked? It should be checked every 3-4 months. If your healthcare provider is not checking your A1c blood level, or hasn’t told you about it, please be sure to ask why.
What type of actions can lower the A1c level? The following actions will help lower your A1c level:
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Become more active by doing one or more of the following regularly: walk, jog, mow the lawn, do some gardening, dance, swim, etc
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Work out a meal plan: You may talk with a dietician or nutritionist to discuss a meal plan that is suitable for you.
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Check your blood sugar often, or as prescribed by your provider and use the results to adjust the care of your diabetes.
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Medication: Your healthcare provider might adjust your medications based on your the A1c test results. The results may also help you identify blood sugar problems before they become serious. Keeping your A1c number below 7 can help prevent serious complications like kidney failure, blindness, heart problems and blood vessels problems that may lead to sores or ulcers that do not heal, amputations and even death.
Youmasu J. Siewe, Ph.D., MPH, is the State Specialist for Public Health education, Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service at OSU in Stillwater. For Questions, call (405) 744 6824. For online access to Extension/Community Health Column, please check “articles” at: http://www.fcs.okstate.edu/health/.