April 15, 2023

Hemoglobin A1C is a simple blood test that tells your average blood sugar level over the last 2 to 3 months. All adults should consider having their hemoglobin A1C tested periodically as recommended by their physician. An A1C screening can identify prediabetes, which indicates an increased risk for developing diabetes. Physicians also use A1C as a tool to diagnose diabetes and monitor the effectiveness of diabetes treatment over time.

Prediabetes is very common, and the majority of people with prediabetes don’t know they have it. The good news about prediabetes is that taking action with lifestyle changes can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. For people who are at low risk of developing diabetes, their doctor may recommend an annual A1C test or testing every few years. People with diabetes are often encouraged to get an A1C test every 6 months if their diabetes treatment is working well and every 3 months if they are adjusting their treatment.

Knowledge is power when it comes to your health. Yet many people avoid preventive screenings out of fear. Try to think of screenings as maintenance. Similar to brushing your teeth, they’re something you do on a regular basis to maintain your health. By finding out what your average blood sugar is now, you can assess the factors influencing your numbers and make a plan for steps you can take to maintain or improve your results.

Thanks to our generous sponsors – RxSugar, Embecta, Good Measure, Catalina Crunch, and Fairlife Yogurt – throughout the month of April a Hy-Vee near you may be offering complimentary A1C screenings. The non-fasting screening takes approximately 15 minutes. The test is administered via a simple finger stick and a dietitian will provide results during the appointment. Registration is easy – visit https://www.hy-vee.com/health/hy-vee-dietitians to request your preferred location. A Hy-Vee dietitian will reach out to schedule your appointment. Limited screening appointments are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

For help choosing diabetes-friendly products, check out our On-Demand Diabetes Nutrition Store Tour. This free, virtual nutrition store tour will teach the basics of a diabetes meal plan. You’ll also get shopping tips and product recommendations to help add more nutrition to your cart. Best of all – you can watch it from the comfort of your own home. Sign up today at https://www.hy-vee.com/health/hy-vee-dietitians or reach out to your local Hy-Vee dietitian for more information.

Need more help managing your blood sugar? Our NEW Balancing Your Blood Sugar program utilizes nutrition tips and education, action steps and goal setting, and group discussion and self-reflection to help you facilitate positive behavior change. The information is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice.