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A1c Levels
About the A1c Test
The A1c test shows your average blood sugar level over the past two or three months. It’s the best way to see how well your diabetes treatment plan is working.
It usually takes two to three months to see changes in A1c levels. You may get the A1c test two to four times a year, depending on how well your treatment plan is working. You can get the A1c blood test at your doctor’s office.
Setting Your A1c Goal
The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) recommends that people with type 2 diabetes reach an A1c level of 6.5% or less. Reaching this A1c level is important, since every 1% increase above 6% raises your risk for complications of diabetes. Work with your doctor to set a goal for your A1c level. If your A1c level rises above your goal, you may need to change your diabetes medicine, or add new medicine and review your treatment plan.
The chart below shows how an average daily blood sugar level might compare to A1c levels. (Note that these blood sugar numbers are for tests done in a lab.)
*Only your doctor can decide if AVANDIA is right for you. AVANDIA is not right for everyone.
Taking AVANDIA with insulin or nitrates is not recommended.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION for AVANDIA® (rosiglitazone maleate)
AVANDIA can cause or worsen heart failure. If you have severe heart failure (very poor pumping ability of the heart) you cannot be started on AVANDIA. AVANDIA is also not recommended if you have heart failure with symptoms (such as shortness of breath or swelling), even if these symptoms are not severe.
AVANDIA may increase your risk of other heart problems that occur when there is reduced blood flow to the heart, such as chest pain (angina) or heart attack (myocardial infarction). This risk appeared higher in patients taking medicines called nitrates or insulin.
If you have chest pain or a feeling of chest pressure, you should seek immediate medical attention, regardless of what diabetes medicines you are taking. If you take AVANDIA, tell your doctor right away if you have swollen legs or ankles, a rapid increase in weight or difficulty breathing, or unusual tiredness; experience changes in vision; become pregnant.
Before taking AVANDIA, review your medical history and tell your doctor if you:
- Have heart failure or other heart problems, or are on any medicines for high blood pressure, high cholesterol or heart failure, or for prevention of heart disease or stroke.
- Take insulin or nitrate medicines. Taking AVANDIA with insulin or with nitrates is not recommended.
- Have a type of diabetic eye disease called macular edema.
- Have liver problems or had liver problems while taking REZULIN® (troglitazone).
- Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
- Are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed.
Women taking AVANDIA should know that AVANDIA may increase the risk of pregnancy. More fractures have been observed in women taking AVANDIA. Other possible side effects of AVANDIA include anemia and hypoglycemia. Your doctor should do blood tests to check your liver before you start AVANDIA and during treatment as needed.
Prescription AVANDIA, along with diet and exercise, helps improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes.
For more information about AVANDIA, please see Medication Guide and full Prescribing Information, including Boxed WARNING.
