How does the hemoglobin A1C relate to readings from self-monitoring of blood glucose?
People with high daily blood glucose readings most of the time will usually have a high hemoglobin A1C test result. To maintain a hemoglobin A1C level less than 7 percent means that the blood glucose should rarely go above 150 mg/dl on any self-monitoring blood glucose test performed before meals during the previous 3 months. The blood sugar also should not drop below 60 to 70 mg/dl, or low blood glucosoe occurs. How can people with diabetes keep their hemoglobin A1C at less than 7 percent? Staying in control of diabetes over a prolonged period of time requires following a recommended meal plan, sticking to a physical activity program, taking prescribed diabetes medicines, self-monitoring of blood glucose, and consulting a health care provider often. When a patient has a high hemoglobin A1C test result, a health care provider can work with the patient to identify what is causing high blood glucose by examining the patient’s record of self-monitoring blood glucose. Common causes of high
