Understanding your Labs- Hemoglobin A1c

Last week we discussed the need to know your numbers regarding blood sugar balance because this is FOUNDATIONAL for so many other health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, hormone imbalances, diabetes, weight control etc.

We looked at blood glucose levels last week, but I reminded you that this doesn’t give us enough information. This week we are looking at Hemoglobin A1c which is a stand alone lab. Let’s dive into what this lab means, measures and ranges.

This is a percentage of hemoglobin that is sugar coated (“glycated”) and the number is the average of a 3 month time span. Why 3 months?- 3 months or approximately 90 days is the life of a red blood cell. Hemoglobin is the oxygen carrying protein in the blood.

This lab is commonly used to help diagnose pre-diabetes and diabetes, but it can also be used to monitor blood sugar regulation once someone is diagnosed. Typically you will find ranges for pre-diabetic and diabetic. I’m giving you a healthy range only because that is my goal for you.

Blood Draw - stand alone; ask for this one separately

Conventional Range: 4.8-5.6 %

Optimal Range: 4.5-5.5 %

My advice is the same as last week. If you see this number creep up, you need some dietary adjustment in your eating patterns. Are you skipping meals? Stop. Are you drinking coffee and not eating in the morning? Don’t. Are you sedentary? Move. Are your meals balanced in macronutrients? If you don’t know, make a consult with an RD so they can help you.

Next week we will look at another marker that is commonly missed and is one that I always like to see on a patient to know how their body is handling the glucose they consume.