By the way, doctor: Diabetes treatment
You should congratulate yourself that after 12 years of having diabetes, your hemoglobin A1c level is still only 7. The hemoglobin A1c test measures the amount of sugar "stuck" to hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells, and it reflects blood sugar levels over the previous several months. For most people with diabetes, the goal is to keep the hemoglobin A1c level at or below 7, which represents fairly tight control of blood sugar levels. Tight control can lead to dangerously low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in older people, causing confusion, light-headedness, and fainting, so a hemoglobin A1c level of 8 or less can be a reasonable goal.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
About the Author
Nancy Keating, M.D., M.P.H., Contributor
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
