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The A1C Test

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Another important number for diabetes patients to know is your A1C number. To find this, you take an A1C test (also called an HbA1c test). This is a blood test done by your doctor. It shows your average blood sugar level over the past 2 to 3 months. The A1C test is very useful because it lets you know how successful you have been at managing your blood sugar over an extended period of time. The American Diabetes Association recommends that you aim for an A1C number below 7%. If your blood sugar is not well controlled, your A1C number will be a higher number. Good blood sugar control can help lower your A1C number.

A fasting blood sugar test shows how you are doing during that period of the day. An A1C test shows what your average blood sugar levels have been over the past 2 to 3 months.

How Blood Sugar Affects A1C


IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR APIDRA®

Apidra® is for adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes for the control of high blood sugar. Apidra® should normally be used with a longer-acting insulin. Do not use Apidra® during a low blood sugar reaction (hypoglycemia) or if you are allergic to insulin glulisine.

Apidra® differs from regular human insulin by its rapid onset and shorter duration of action. When used as a mealtime insulin, Apidra® should be given within 15 minutes before or within 20 minutes after starting a meal. Due to the short duration of action of Apidra®, patients also require a longer-acting insulin or insulin infusion pump therapy. Any change of insulin should be made cautiously and only under medical supervision. Tell your doctor about all other medicines and supplements you are taking. Glucose monitoring is recommended for all patients with diabetes.

Possible side effects may include low blood sugar; injection site reactions, such as changes in fat tissue at the injection site; and allergic reactions, such as itching and rash. Less common, but potentially more serious or life-threatening, is generalized allergy to insulin, including anaphylactic reactions.

When used in a pump, do not mix Apidra® with any other insulin or liquid. If the pump or infusion set does not work right, you may not receive the right amount of insulin. Hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, or ketosis can happen. Problems should be identified and corrected as quickly as possible.

Exercise or activity level may change the way your body uses insulin. Check with your healthcare provider before you start an exercise program because your dose may need to be changed.

Click here for additional important information for Apidra®.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR LANTUS®

Prescription Lantus® is for adults with type 2 diabetes or adults and children (6 years and older) with type 1 diabetes who require long-acting insulin for the control of high blood sugar.

DO NOT DILUTE OR MIX LANTUS® WITH ANY OTHER INSULIN OR SOLUTION. It will not work as intended, and you may lose blood sugar control, which could be serious. Do not change your insulin without talking with your doctor. The syringe must not contain any other medication or residue. You should not use Lantus® if you are allergic to insulin. Lantus® is a long-acting insulin you inject just once a day, at the same time each day. You must test your blood sugar levels while using an insulin such as Lantus®.

The most common side effect of insulin, including Lantus®, is hypoglycemia, which may be serious. Other possible side effects may include injection site reactions, including changes in fat tissue at the injection site, and allergic reactions, including itching and rash. In rare cases, some allergic reactions may be life threatening. Tell your doctor about other medicines and supplements you are taking because they can change the way insulin works.

Click here for additional important information for Lantus®.