Why Is Checking Your A1C Important?

Written By regina ebanks

Ever wonder why your doctor keeps asking about your A1C? Let’s break it down in a way that’s easy to understand — no medical dictionary needed.

🩸 What Exactly Is A1C?

Your A1C (also called hemoglobin A1C) is a simple blood test that tells how well your body has been managing blood sugar over the last 2–3 months.
Instead of looking at just one day’s number (like a fingerstick), it gives a bigger picture — like your blood sugar “report card.”

  • A1C below 5.7%: Normal

  • 5.7–6.4%: Prediabetes

  • 6.5% or higher: Diabetes

The higher your A1C, the more sugar is sticking to your red blood cells — which can slowly cause damage to your eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart.

🍭 Type 1 vs. Type 2 Diabetes — What’s the Difference?

  • Type 1 Diabetes:
    Your body doesn’t make insulin (the hormone that moves sugar from your blood into your cells for energy). It usually starts in childhood or young adulthood. People with Type 1 need insulin daily to live.

  • Type 2 Diabetes:
    Your body still makes insulin, but it doesn’t use it well. This is the most common type, especially in adults. It can often be managed with lifestyle changes, oral medications, and sometimes insulin.

No matter the type, keeping your A1C in a healthy range is key to preventing long-term complications.

🩺 Why Does It Matter for Home Health?

If you or a loved one receives home health care, A1C levels help guide your nursing team. It tells us whether your current plan — medication, meals, and exercise — is working.
Small changes in your A1C can make big differences in your energy, wound-healing, and overall wellness.

📞 When to Call Your Doctor

Don’t wait until you feel bad. Reach out if:

  • You notice frequent thirst, fatigue, or blurry vision

  • Your wounds are slow to heal

  • Your blood sugar readings are consistently high or low

  • You haven’t had an A1C check in over 3 months

Your provider may need to adjust your medications or review your care plan.

💡 Serenity Tip

Regular A1C checks empower you to know your numbers and stay one step ahead of diabetes.
Knowledge is care — and care starts at home.

💬 Join the Conversation

This is just the first of many “Why Wednesdays!” blogs where we break down common health questions into bite-sized, real-life answers.
Follow us, share your questions, and check back every other Wednesday for the next “Why”!

regina ebanks