The A1C Blood Test for Antiaging

The A1C blood test is a key indicator for blood sugar control. Your A1C levels are a very important factor in aging which makes the hemoglobin a1c test (along with a glucose meter)important tools for your antiaging program.

What Is The A1C Test?

The hemoglobin A1C is a blood test that is used to determine your blood sugar levels averaged over a 3-4 month period. This differs from the standard fasting glucose test, which only gives a “snapshot” so to speak of your blood sugar levels at the time it is taken.

The A1C blood test measures the amount of glucose that is bound to the hemoglobin in your blood. The binding of glucose and hemoglobin is called glycation The greater the degree of glycation, the faster you will age and the more your health will suffer.

Your A1C level is an indirect measure of how fast you are aging and how much damage is likely being done to your cells by the aging process. This test is mainly given to both type 1 and type 2 diabetics to monitor their blood sugar levels over time.

How is the A1C Blood Test Done?

The A1C test requires a small sample of blood to be drawn. This is usually done in a doctors office or clinic. There is slight to moderate pain associated with this, but overall the procedure is not overly uncomfortable.

No special preparation is needed because the test measures A1C levels rather than blood sugar levels at the time the test is done. There are several ways these levels are measured, but the most current method is blood gas chromatography, which is very accurate.

Accuracy and reference ranges for A1C levels can vary with different labs, just as it can vary with a standard glucose meter, so it is important to have follow up tests analyzed by the same lab, or a lab standardized to the national DCCT reference method, to ensure accuracy and continuity of the results.

What Are Healthy A1C Levels?

There is some debate about what the most desirable A1C levels are, and in general experts are recommending lower levels than before. The following values will show how the test should be interpreted.

These values are set up by the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT) reference method.

(Degree of glucose control ) A1c Levels

• Normal(non-diabetic)–less than 6%
• Near normal – 6 to7%
• DCCT therapeutic goal – less than 7%
• In good control – 7 to 8%
• Actions suggested – 8 to 9%
• Not in control – over 9%

The above ranges are meant for diabetics, however the optimal range for healthy individuals without diagnosed diabetes is in the range of 4.5 to 5.7 with under 4.5 being ideal!

Importance to Antiaging

The A1C test is used primarily to monitor blood sugar control in diabetics, however it can and should be part of your set of antiaging tests that can help you spot potential problems with blood sugar control and prevent accelerated aging.

Your antiaging physician can further explain the A1C test and why it should be part of your antiaging program.

There are home A1C tests now available that make testing even easier, however please refer to a qualified physician for guidance.

Together with other key antiaging tests, the A1C blood test is a marker for potential accelerated aging, and can help you steer clear of the problems and complications of high blood sugar and glycation. Knowing your A1C levels and responding accordingly will ensure a much longer and healthier life.

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