There are variables in an ordinary blood test that one can look to gauge his position in being at-risk of getting diabetes or being a diabetic. For instance, one can look at his glucose level to get an immediate reading on his diabetic status. Undoubtedly, this will give a person a good short-term perspective of where he is at. However, if a person wants a perspective of his long-term sugar levels, the HBA1c test is much more valuable.

Essentially, HBA1c is the direct measure of long-term sugar levels. This will give the person a more accurate assessment of his diabetic position. The HBA1c is a variable reported via a blood test. There are three main categories associated with this test. These categories have corresponding value ranges.

People who are considered as not having or being predisposed to having diabetes is an HBA1c level that is 5.7% or below. People who are in the prediabetic range have a HBA1c level between 5.7 and 6.4%. Finally, people who are considered to have Diabetes have a HBA1c level of 6.5% or higher. Again, unlike a simple glucose test, the HBA1c will determine if you are a diabetic or a prediabetic, not just a quick assessment of your blood sugar level. I keep pointing this out because short-term sugar levels can be affected by something like a recent change in lifestyle or recently incorporating a food that had a quick effect on your sugar level.

Is it difficult to get your HBA1c level? Not at all. Obviously, you can ask your PCP to order a blood test for you. However, you can also just go to a walk-in lab and order a blood test, without having a doctor’s order. Either way, you will know your HBA1c level and get a solid understanding of your diabetic position.

TCM practitioners are increasingly using a patient’s HBA1c level to help in formulating their treatment plan.