Diabetes Ireland > Understanding HbA1c

Understanding HbA1c

#FirstThingsFirst- Lets get the Basics Right

What is HbA1c?

 

 

 

 

Your HbA1c level is your average blood glucose level over the last 2-3 months. It is a good indicator of how much control you have of you diabetes.

 

For a person living with diabetes, the recommended HbA1c level is 53mmol. It is important to keep your HbA1c at an acceptable level, as this will lower your chances of developing complications in the future.

 

Understanding what HbA1c means is the first step to achieving your HbA1c goal. Talk to your GP or diabetes team about your own HbA1c level and what it means for you.

 

 

 

What are the complications?

 

 

 

There are many different complications associated with a high HbA1c level, which include:

 

  • Heart disease
  • Blindness
  • Stroke
  • Lower limb Amputation
  • Kidney Failure

 

Too much sugar in the blood can damage the blood vessels in your body. It is the damaged blood vessels that can cause these complications. By controlling your blood glucose level and maintaining a good HbA1c level, you are lower your risk of damaging the blood vessels.

 

 

How to keep your HbA1c level under control:

 

 

 

 

 

When keeping your HbA1c level at 53, it is important to remember your ABCD’s:

 

A- HbA1c

B- Blood Pressure

C- Cholesterol

D- Diet and Exercise

 

By maintaining a healthy & balanced diet and getting regular exercise, you will help lower your cholesterol and blood pressure. This in turn, will help get your HbA1c levels under control.