A1C Test in Memphis & Germantown
What’s the risk?
A1C testing is used in conjunction with routine blood sugar testing. Both are important tools in diabetes management. Testing your A1C and blood sugar levels helps manage the disease and prevent complications.
Patients with diabetes or other pre-existing conditions have a higher risk of developing severe issues from COVID-19. These patients must monitor their condition and overall health to lessen the risks associated with the coronavirus. Diabetic patients who contract COVID have a 7.3% higher mortality rate versus the general mortality rate of 2.3%.
If you are at risk for prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, knowing your risk level helps you manage your disease to keep it under control. This also helps lessen and manage your risks of negative COVID outcomes, especially during peak waves of the virus. At Rapid Care, we offer the A1C test in Memphis & Germantown to help patients determine their diabetes risk level.
COVID-19 is still present. With new variants arising, it is important for patients with chronic and pre-existing conditions to know their risks. Swift diagnosis and proper management of diabetes and cardiovascular disease can help mitigate the severe risks associated with COVID. The A1C test helps track your average blood sugar levels to know if you are at risk of diabetes or properly managing your condition.
What is the A1C test?
Also called a hemoglobin A1C or HbA1c test, the A1C test measures a patient’s average blood sugar level over the past 3 months. Blood sugar levels fluctuate throughout the day based on your activity level and what you may have had to eat. Your A1C monitors the average over a period of time rather than just looking at the highs and lows.
A1C testing helps diagnose patients with prediabetes or diabetes. This test is part of a diabetes management plan to regularly monitor blood glucose and the effects of diabetes medication.
The A1C test is a simple finger or arm stick to test a small drop of blood. You do not need to do anything to prepare, and your results will be readily available. A normal A1C level is under 5.7%. Anything higher shows a risk of prediabetes (5.7 to 6.4%) or diabetes (6.5% or higher)
Purpose of A1C testing
When you consume something sugary, the sugar attaches to hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells. Although everyone has some sugar in their hemoglobin, people with high blood sugar or blood glucose levels have more.
The A1C test measures the percentage of red blood cells that have sugar-coated hemoglobin. The results show if you are at risk for prediabetes or diabetes. If you are at risk, your medical team can promptly establish a diabetes management plan to stay on top of your condition and prevent negative consequences.
Type 2 diabetes can be prevented and managed with lifestyle changes, such as weight loss, healthy eating, and exercising. Your primary care physician can help you manage your blood sugar and diabetes’ risks. A1C testing will be part of your treatment plan.
Who needs an A1C test?
A1C testing may be recommended to see if a patient is at risk for prediabetes or diabetes. It is also done as part of a diabetes management plan. Knowing if you are at risk for diabetes is important as part of a COVID management plan as well, since diabetic patients have more risks and complications from the coronavirus.
To assess a patient’s risk level for diabetes, A1C testing is advised annually for patients who ages 45 and older. Patients who are under 45 but are overweight and have risk factors for type 2 diabetes should also get a baseline test. Risk factors for type 2 diabetes include:
- Overweight
- Prediabetes
- Over 45 years old
- Close family history of type 2 diabetes
- Not physically active
- History of gestational diabetes or giving birth a baby weighing 9 pounds or more
- History of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
If you have any of the risk factors above, A1C testing may be recommended. Book your A1C test with Rapid Care today!
Get an A1C test in Memphis & Germantown, TN!
An A1C test can be done at our location in Memphis near Germantown, TN. Please remember, patients with prediabetes or diabetes test results are also at a higher risk of developing serious complications from COVID-19. Knowing your risk level can keep you safe during peak waves of the coronavirus.
Whether you need an A1C test, rapid COVID test, or a PCR test near me for travel, Rapid Care has your testing needs covered. Schedule your A1C test or COVID-19 test today!
Rapid Care
1811 Kirby Pkwy #1,
Memphis, TN
38138
Email: support@rapidcaretesting.com
Phone: (901) 499-2883
Rapid Care
16 S Cleveland St
Memphis TN
38104
Email: support@rapidcaretesting.com
Phone: (865) 383-0356
Rapid Care
5029 Country Club Rd
Winston-Salem, NC
27104
Email: support@rapidcaretesting.com
Phone: (336) 464-7163
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