HbA1c explained without treating it as a grade
HbA1c is a way to see your average blood glucose over about three months. It’s not a grade; it’s a guide.
- The NICE target for adults is 48 mmol/mol or lower. This helps reduce complications.
- HbA1c shows trends, not daily highs and lows. It helps with long-term planning.
- Your target may differ based on personal circumstances. Discuss this with your diabetes team.
What it means day to day
Understanding your HbA1c can help you make informed decisions about your daily diabetes management. It’s a tool for seeing how well your overall plan is working, rather than focusing on individual readings. By tracking your HbA1c over time, you can identify patterns and make adjustments to your insulin regimen, diet, or activity level with your diabetes team’s guidance.
What targets mean
The NICE target for adults with type 1 diabetes is an HbA1c of 48 mmol/mol or lower. Achieving this target can help reduce the risk of complications like eye and kidney problems. However, targets can vary based on individual circumstances, such as age, lifestyle, and other health conditions. It’s important to have a discussion with your diabetes team to set a target that’s right for you.
What can affect HbA1c?
Several factors can influence your HbA1c levels. Insulin doses and carbohydrate intake directly affect glucose levels. Physical activity can move glucose either up or down, depending on your insulin levels, the timing of your meals, and the type of exercise. Stress levels can also impact glucose, often raising it, but the effect can vary.
Examples of HbA1c in practice
Examples, not instructions or doses.
You have a routine check-up and your HbA1c comes back at 50 mmol/mol. Your team suggests looking at your meal-time insulin to see if adjustments could help.
After a discussion with your team, you set a personal target of 55 mmol/mol due to other health considerations.