So you have a diabetes diagnosis, now what?

If you suspect you — or a loved one — may be at risk for diabetes, visit your doctor and discuss taking an A1C blood test. This simple blood test provides a view of your average blood sugar levels over the past three months. Using this data, doctors can determine prediabetes, which increases the risk of developing diabetes. Doctors can also use A1C results to diagnose Type 2 diabetes or discover how well your diabetes plan is working.

A normal A1C level is below 5.7%. The goal for most adults with diabetes is less than 7%. An A1C level between 5.7% and 6.4% indicates a prediabetes range. An A1C level of 6.5% or higher is in the range for diabetes. Because the test results come back as a range of percentages, your goal should be in a range around a target number.

If you’ve recently received a confirmation of a prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes diagnosis, your head may be spinning with what your next steps should be. You will be working closely with your primary care physician on a plan to manage and monitor your condition. This may include meeting with a dietician or nutritionist to learn more about food choices and how they impact your blood sugar levels.

The A1C test is in addition to — not instead of — regular blood sugar self-testing if you have diabetes. Blood sugar goes up and down throughout the day and night, which isn’t captured by your A1C. If you have a Type 2 diagnosis, your physician will likely recommend you start a journal of your blood sugar levels and use a glucose monitor to take your blood sugar level throughout the day after meals. Keep track and share the results with your doctor.

A combination of diet, exercise and medication can bring your levels down. Work closely with your doctor to manage your blood sugar level long-term.

If you haven’t established a primary care physician, GEHA has tips for finding the right primary care physician. You can also search for an in-network physician near you by using our GEHA Find Care Tool.

Additional resources for managing diabetes are available on the GEHA blog, on our diabetes resources page or by watching our Diabetes webinar.

The information contained herein is for informational and educational purposes only. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice and if you have questions regarding a medical condition, regimen, or treatment you should always seek the advice of a qualified health care provider. Never disregard or delay seeking medical advice from a qualified medical professional because of information you have read herein.