Control Blood Sugar and Diabetes in Effective Ways

Control Blood Sugar and Diabetes in Effective Ways

Many people are familiar with the term “Diabetes,” which refers to a chronic disease characterized by high blood sugar levels. Diabetes treatment requires a lifelong commitment and long-term care. Even if a diabetic patient recovers from the condition, blood sugar levels must be maintained within a safe range to avoid complications.

Blood sugar targets, either fasting blood sugar or insulin levels, may be different depending on individual factors and consultation from a physician.

Now the Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) test is available for those diabetes patients with ongoing treatment. The test enables a physician to diagnose and prevent long-term diabetes complications.

How High Is Blood Sugar Levels to Be Diagnosed Diabetes?

1. For persons who are unsure whether or not they have diabetes and need to check their blood sugar levels.
   • Normal A1C results: below 5.7 mg%
   • Prediabetes A1C results: 5.7 – 6.4 mg%
   • Diabetes A1C results: 6.5 mg% or higher
2. For diabetic patients, the National Health Security Office recommends the HbA1c test to forecast long-term complications:
   • Low risk of complications: lower than 6.5 mg%
   • Moderate risk: 6.5 – 7.9 mg%
   • High risk: more than 8 mg/dL and frequent high sugar levels (3+ times/week)

Stabilize Blood Sugar Levels with HbA1c Test

The HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin) test determines average blood sugar levels over the previous 3 months. It shows how much glucose is attached to hemoglobin in red blood cells. Higher glucose means worse diabetic control.

This test is ideal for diabetics starting treatment and helps evaluate both blood sugar control and risk of long-term complications.

What We Need to Know About HbA1c Test

1. HbA1c must be used alongside other tests — it cannot replace fasting blood sugar (FBS) or self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG).
2. Patients with chronic kidney disease, liver disease, anemia, or significant blood loss should consult a doctor before HbA1c testing.
3. HbA1c levels may be abnormally low in pregnancy, anemia, or kidney disease.
4. A physician must make the final diagnosis and recommend treatment.

Dr. Promphan Pruksakorn
Internal Medicine
Sub-specialty: Endocrinology and Metabolism
Internal Medicine Clinic | Bangkok Hospital Chiang Mai