Why is the A1C test essential for diabetes management? It gives you an overall picture of your diabetes, rather than a reflection of what is happening in one day, and helps you evaluate your diabetes care and make changes. An A1C test can help you manage your diabetes by:

1. verifying self-testing or other blood test results with your healthcare provider
2. determining whether your treatment plan is working
3. demonstrating how healthy food choices, being physically active and your medication  your affect diabetes control An A1C reading of less than 7 percent may be a good goal for many people, but make sure to ask your provider what your A1C target should be.

It’s helpful to remember that the closer you get to your goal, the better you’ll feel today and tomorrow. According to Joslin Diabetes Center’s Clinical Guidelines, we recommend that patients aim for an A1C value of less than 7 percent, as long as achieving this goal does not increase your risk for developing low blood glucose (or blood sugar), otherwise known as hypoglycemia.

The higher your A1C, the greater your risk for developing complications, such as heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease, and neuropathy and circulation problems. To help lower your risk for diabetes complications, keep your glucose levels in your target range by self-monitoring and making adjustments with medicine (insulin, pills, or both), meal planning, and scheduled physical activity.

The best way to determine your target A1C is to speak with your healthcare provider.

If your A1C is above your target, it tells you that your diabetes treatment plan needs a change. This could mean your meal plan needs adjustment, or you need a new medicine or your physical activity may need to be increased. Checking your glucose at home more often and setting up an appointment to discuss the results with your healthcare provider are important steps to take if your A1C is not at target.