A1C Test for Diabetes and Prediabetes

The A1C test, also known as the hemoglobin A1C or HbA1c test, is a simple blood test used to diagnose prediabetes and diabetes and to monitor your progress.

What Does the A1C Test Measure?

When you check your blood sugar at home, it’s just a snapshot of a single point in time. Since your blood sugar constantly changes, this doesn’t give you a complete picture. The A1C test is different—it measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 3 months.

Here’s how it works: When sugar enters your bloodstream, it attaches to hemoglobin, a protein in your red blood cells. Everyone has some sugar attached to their hemoglobin, but people with higher blood sugar levels have more. The A1C test measures the percentage of red blood cells with sugar-coated hemoglobin. Since your red blood cells regenerate roughly every 3 months, the A1C test provides an average of your blood sugar levels for that period.

A1C Is Just Part of Your Toolkit

While the A1C test is an important tool for understanding your blood sugar, it doesn’t replace home monitoring. It’s also important to learn how your blood sugar changes throughout the day so you can make adjustments as you go.

Getting Tested

Preparing

The A1C test is done at a doctor’s office or a lab, where a blood sample will be drawn from your finger or arm. You do not need to fast before an A1C test, though your doctor might run other tests at the same time, like cholesterol, that do require fasting.

Testing

It is recommended that you get an A1C test if you are over the age of 45. Testing is also recommended if you are younger but are overweight and have any other risk factors for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.

If your result is normal (below 5.7%): Your doctor will recommend a re-testing schedule based on your age and risk factors.

If your result shows prediabetes (5.7% to 6.4%): You can take steps right away to reverse prediabetes or to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. Talk to your doctor to get started—they will likely recommend you repeat your A1C every 1 to 2 years.

If your result shows diabetes (6.5% or above): Your doctor will give you instructions on how to manage your condition with lifestyle changes, and may prescribe medicine. Most people with diabetes have their A1C tested at least twice a year, though you may need to check more often depending on your management plan or other health conditions.

A1C Results

The following ranges are used to diagnose prediabetes and diabetes:

• Normal: below 5.7%
• Prediabetes: 5.7% to 6.4%
• Diabetes: 6.5% or above , For people living with diabetes, your A1C also shows how well managed your condition is. The A1C test can estimate your average blood sugar:
• A1C 6 = Estimated Average Glucose 126 mg/dL
• A1C 8 = Estimated Average Glucose 154 mg/dL

A1C Goals

For most people with diabetes, the A1C goal is 7% or less. Your doctor will determine your specific goal based on your full medical history. Higher A1C levels are linked to health complications, so reaching and maintaining your goal is key to living well with diabetes.

With lifestyle changes and medicine, some people with diabetes can reach an A1C below 6.5%. This doesn’t mean their condition is gone, but it does mean their blood sugar is usually well managed.

Things That Affect A1C Accuracy

Several factors can either falsely increase or decrease your A1C result:

• Severe anemia
• Kidney failure
• Liver disease
• Certain blood disorders like sickle cell anemia or thalassemia
• Certain medicines, including opioids and some HIV medications
• Blood loss or blood transfusions
• Early or late pregnancy

Be sure to let your doctor know if any of these factors apply to you. For any inquiries, please contact us!

You probably think of sleep as a time for rest and recovery. For millions of people, however, it’s a nightly battle. You might not even realize it’s happening, but every time you stop breathing in your sleep, you are doing more than just disrupting your rest—you’re putting your entire body under immense stress.

This condition is called sleep apnea, and it’s far more dangerous than just causing loud snoring. It’s a silent threat that can shorten your life by increasing your risk of serious, life-threatening health issues.

The Cycle of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea occurs when your breathing is repeatedly interrupted during the night. In the most common form, called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the muscles in your throat and mouth relax too much, causing the soft tissues to collapse and block your airway. When your brain senses the lack of oxygen, it briefly wakes you up just enough to open your airway. This can happen dozens, or even hundreds, of times every single night.

The constant cycle of interrupted breathing prevents you from reaching the deep, restorative stages of sleep that your body needs to heal and recharge. Over time, this chronic sleep deprivation and oxygen starvation takes a significant toll on your health.

The Serious Health Consequences

The effects of sleep apnea go far beyond just feeling tired. The nightly stress on your body puts you at a much higher risk for a number of serious and potentially deadly conditions:

• Heart Disease: Each time your breathing stops, your heart rate slows down, and then speeds up as you gasp for air. This puts incredible strain on your cardiovascular system, raising your blood pressure and increasing your risk of heart attack and stroke.
• Type 2 Diabetes: Sleep apnea is directly linked to insulin resistance. The constant stress on your body’s systems makes it harder to regulate blood sugar levels, significantly increasing your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
• High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): The repeated drops in blood oxygen levels during sleep cause your blood pressure to spike. This constant fluctuation can lead to persistent high blood pressure during the day, which is a major risk factor for heart disease.
• Weight Gain: Sleep deprivation disrupts the hormones that control appetite, leading to increased cravings for high-carbohydrate foods. This makes it much harder to maintain a healthy weight and can create a vicious cycle, as excess weight is also a primary cause of sleep apnea.

Dental Health and Sleep Apnea

Your dentist is often the first person to notice the signs of sleep apnea. During a routine exam, we may spot tell-tale signs like worn or fractured teeth from grinding (bruxism) and dry mouth. The constant open-mouth breathing can also increase your risk for gum disease and cavities.

Fortunately, sleep apnea is treatable. One of the most common and effective treatments is a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine, which keeps your airway open with a gentle stream of air. For many patients, an oral appliance—a custom-fit dental device that positions your jaw to keep the airway open—can be a comfortable and effective alternative.

If you or a loved one snores loudly, wakes up gasping for air, or feels tired even after a full night’s sleep, don’t ignore it. It is an alarm bell that should be taken seriously. Your dentist can help you get started on the path to a proper diagnosis and a treatment plan that could save your life.

When you think about dental health, your mind likely goes straight to brushing, flossing, and regular check-ups. But what if we told you that one of the most important things you can do for your smile has nothing to do with your teeth at all? It’s about how you breathe.

Nasal hygiene and proper breathing are essential for overall wellness, and they play a critical role in your oral health. From preventing gum disease to improving sleep, a clean and clear airway is the secret to a healthier life and a more radiant smile.

Why Your Nose is Your Smile’s Best Friend

Your nose is a powerful, built-in air filter. When you breathe through your nose, the hairs and mucous membranes trap dust, pollen, and other irritants before they can reach your lungs. This natural filtering system also warms and humidifies the air, preparing it for your body.

When you can’t breathe through your nose due to allergies, congestion, or other issues, you resort to mouth breathing. Chronic mouth breathing can lead to a host of dental problems, including:

• Dry Mouth: Saliva is your mouth’s natural defense against bacteria. Without it, you are at a higher risk of developing cavities and gum disease.
• Bad Breath: A dry mouth creates a perfect environment for odor-causing bacteria to thrive.
• Gum Inflammation: A constant flow of dry air over the gums can lead to irritation and inflammation, increasing your risk of gingivitis and periodontal disease.

Maintaining a clear nasal passage is the first step toward promoting healthy breathing and protecting your smile.

The Solution: Gentle and Effective Nasal Rinsing

One of the most effective and widely recommended methods for nasal hygiene is a saline rinse. Using a saline solution—a simple mixture of salt and water—to flush out your nasal passages can provide immediate relief and long-term benefits.

There are a few popular tools for this practice:

• Neti Pot: A small teapot-like device used to pour the saline solution from one nostril to the other.
• Saline Squeeze Bottle: Often seen in over-the-counter kits like those from Dr. Nilo’s, these bottles allow you to gently squeeze the solution into your nose.
• Pre-mixed Packets: These packets contain a balanced saline solution, ensuring a safe and comfortable rinse every time.

A Simple Guide to a Proper Sinus Rinse

Regularly rinsing your sinuses can wash away irritants, thin mucus, and reduce inflammation. Here’s a quick guide to performing a safe and effective nasal rinse:

1. Prepare the Solution: Follow the instructions on your saline packet or mix a quarter teaspoon of non-iodized salt with eight ounces of lukewarm distilled, sterile, or previously boiled water.
2. Position Yourself: Stand over a sink and tilt your head to one side.
3. Perform the Rinse: Place the tip of the Neti Pot or squeeze bottle into the upper nostril. Breathe through your mouth as you gently pour or squeeze the solution into your nose. The solution should flow out of the lower nostril.
4. Switch Sides: Repeat the process on the other side.
5. Gently Clear Your Nose: After rinsing, gently blow your nose to clear out any remaining solution and mucus.

The Unexpected Benefits of Nasal Hygiene

Beyond protecting your smile, a regular nasal hygiene routine can offer a wide range of health benefits:

• Reduced Allergies: By flushing out pollen and other allergens, you can significantly reduce allergy symptoms.
• Fewer Sinus Infections: Rinsing helps prevent the buildup of bacteria and congestion that can lead to infections.
• Improved Sleep: A clear airway can reduce snoring and improve the quality of your sleep, leaving you feeling more rested and energized.
• Better Overall Health: By reducing your exposure to airborne irritants, you are taking a proactive step to support your immune system and respiratory health.

Incorporating nasal hygiene into your daily routine is a simple yet powerful way to invest in your health. It’s a proactive step that complements your dental care and supports a healthier, happier you.

For more information on how breathing and other lifestyle factors affect your oral health, schedule a consultation with us today. Your smile is our passion, and we’re here to help you achieve a lifetime of healthy, confident breathing.