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Overview

What is A1C?

A1C is an average measure of your blood sugar over the past 3 months. The results show how well your blood sugar levels have been controlled. The higher your blood sugars have been, the higher your A1C results will be.

Why is A1C important?

Your A1C serves as an important measurement of how well you manage your diabetes. Achieving your target A1C means a lower risk of damage to your eyes, kidneys, and nerves during your lifetime.

How is A1C measured?

It is measured by taking a small amount of blood and putting it into a device that reads your A1C in just a few minutes. You can eat and drink before the test and you will be able to continue your usual activities afterwards.

How does A1C compare to blood sugar readings?

An A1C of 7 percent equals an estimated average blood sugar of about 150 milligrams per deciliter. Here is a table that tells you how an A1C reading typically relates to the average blood sugar reading on your glucose meter:

A1C table

What is the A1C target?

Your A1C target is very individual to your health needs and is decided by your doctor. Some people’s A1C target will be less than 7, but others may be slightly higher or lower. MyDiabetesHome uses A1C targets chosen by the American Diabetes Association, which highlights the importance of personalized goals. That’s why we allow users to pick their own targets based on their doctor’s recommendation!Target Sugar Ranges

How often should A1C be tested?

Your A1C should be checked at least twice a year if your blood sugar is stable, or as often as every 3 months if your A1C is not at your healthiest target.

Here are some My Diabetes Home A1C Success Stories!
  • A patient whose A1C went from an 8.2% to 6.7% told us, “I never thought I could get under such good control and I’m determined to keep it under good control.  It has changed my life.
  • One user, Jean, says she lowered her A1C from 7.6 to 6.9!
    • Whoo-hoo!!!!” – Jean
  • More great news from an MDH user:
    • This program has slowed me down to pay attention to the things necessary to control my diabetes. My A1C reduced from 7.5-6.5.” – Dave S
  • Another MDH user raves about the accuracy he experienced:
    • Just returned from diabetes checkup, your 5.7 A1C estimate was exactly what [my doctor’s] blood test confirmed (5.7).” – MDH user, Greg S

We’re very proud to be able to provide our A1C estimator tool to anyone struggling with managing their A1C. You can learn more about how our A1C estimator works by watching this video. We’re even prouder to attribute to bettering your health, helping users understand how A1C works, and working together to change your diabetes.

DISCLAIMER statement  “This article is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. For individual medical advice, contact your healthcare practitioner.”