What is an HbA1c screening?
The HbA1c screening the recommended primary assessment of glycemic control by the Center for Disease Control. It measures the number of glucose molecules attached to the hemoglobin of the red blood cells. The higher the patients blood glucose, the more glucose molecules bound to the hemoglobin.
Where can I get screened?
This screening is offered right here at University Pharmacy. Call (801) 582-7624 to schedule an appointment today. With your permission and the cooperation of your physician we are able to continuously monitor your HbA1c levels and keep you on track.
What happens when I am screened?
A quick finger stick is all it takes to measure both your glucose and HbA1c levels. Results are available within minutes of either screening.
How often should I be screened?
The Center for Disease Control recommends that this test be given to individuals with diabetes at least every 6 months or every 3 months for individuals on insulin therapy. If you have not been diagnosed with diabetes but are a moderate to high risk candidate this screening will determine if further examination will be required. If you are a low risk candidate, the American Diabetes Association recommends that all adults have a fasting blood glucose test at age 45. If test results are normal, you should repeat the test every three years. If you are at risk of diabetes or have symptoms, you should take the test at a younger age and more frequently. Click 
to take our risk assessment quiz.
How do I read my results?
The screening results are given in a percentage. As shown by the chart below, a score of less than 6% is considered normal for individuals without diabetes. A target of less than 8% is recommended for diabetics. By continuously maintaining a score of less than 7.9%, the extent of eye, kidney and nerve damage decrease by 25%, overall complications decrease by 35%, mortality decreases by 7%, and heart problems decrease by 18%.
|
People without Diabetes |
People with Diabetes Ideal |
People with Diabetes Target |
|
Fasting |
70-100 mg/dl |
70-110 mg/dl |
70-126 mg/dl |
|
Before Meals |
70-115 mg/dl |
80-120 mg/dl |
80-140 mg/dl |
|
Before Bedtime Snack |
70-120 mg/dl |
100-140 mg/dl |
100-160 mg/dl |
|
Hemoglobin A1c |
Less than 6% |
Less than 7% |
Less than 8% |
ASK THE EXPERT!
"New diabetes guidelines call for more aggressive screenings. There are two main studies, diabetes control and complications trial (DCCT) and United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS.) The findings have indicated thattight glycemic control or low HbA1c (7% or lower) decrease microvascular and macrovascular complications caused by diabetes. Some of these complications that may be reduced are retinopathy (eye problems), nephropathy (kidney problems), and neuropathy (nerve damage). The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends testing your HbA1c four times per year in order to achieve a goal of an HbA1c of 7% or lower. Furthermore, the American Academy of Endocrinologists are mandating even lower scores of 6.5% or lower. We are able to test your HbA1c here at the pharmacy in minutes for a minimal fee. Our cost is $25 per test or set up 4 per year for $80. Please call to schedule your appointment today. We look forward to the opportunity to talk with you further about improving your quality of life."
- Carl "Trip" Hoffman, Pharm.D
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