What are A1C levels and how to properly read an A1c Chart?
A1C levels are a measure of how much glucose (sugar) is attached to hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells. Glucose attaches to hemoglobin when blood sugar levels are high. The longer glucose is attached to hemoglobin, the higher the A1C level.
An A1C test is a blood test that measures your A1C level. The test is usually done at your doctor’s office, but it can also be done at a lab or at home using a home A1C test kit.
To properly read an A1c chart, look for the A1C level that corresponds to your blood sugar level. For example, if your blood sugar level is 100 mg/dL, look for the A1C level that is closest to 5.7%.
How common diabetes became and how can you prevent such an outcome in the future?
Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. The number of people with diabetes has been increasing in recent years, and it is now considered a global epidemic.
There are many factors that can contribute to the development of diabetes, including:
- Age: The risk of developing diabetes increases with age.
- Family history: People who have a family history of diabetes are at an increased risk of developing the condition.
- Race: African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Native Americans are at an increased risk of developing diabetes.
- Obesity: Obesity is a major risk factor for diabetes.
- Physical inactivity: People who are physically inactive are at an increased risk of developing diabetes.
- Certain medications: Some medications, such as steroids, can increase the risk of developing diabetes.
There are many things you can do to prevent diabetes, including:
- Maintain a healthy weight: Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most important things you can do to prevent diabetes.
- Get regular exercise: Regular exercise can help lower your risk of developing diabetes.
- Eat a healthy diet: A healthy diet includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It is also important to limit your intake of processed foods, sugary drinks, and unhealthy fats.
- Get regular checkups: If you have any risk factors for diabetes, it is important to get regular checkups with your doctor. During these checkups, your doctor can check your blood sugar levels and screen you for diabetes.