DURING THE MONTH OF November Macon Community Hospital will be offering FREE HGBA1C Blood Screenings!

AN HGBA1C SCREENING IS A SIMPLE BLOOD TEST designed to measure a person’s average blood sugar levels over the past 3 months. This test is commonly used to diagnose prediabetes and diabetes and can help you and your health care team manage your diabetes.

NOW IS THE TIME TO GET SCREENED! If you have symptoms of diabetes, including increased thirst, blurred vision, fatigue and more, visit our laboratory department Monday – Friday, 7am – 6pm, during the month of November to receive this FREE HGBA1C blood test.

For more information please contact us at 615-666-2147.

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About HGBA1C Screenings

A hemoglobin A1C test is a blood test that shows what your average blood sugar (glucose) level was over the past two to three months.

Glucose is a type of sugar in your blood that comes from the foods you eat. Your cells use glucose for energy. A hormone called insulin helps glucose get into your cells. If you have diabetes your body doesn't make enough insulin, or your cells don't use it well. As a result, glucose can't get into your cells, so your blood sugar levels increase.

High A1C levels are a sign of high blood glucose from diabetes. Diabetes can cause serious health problems, including heart disease, kidney disease, and nerve damage. But with treatment and lifestyle changes, you can control your blood glucose levels.

Who Should Be Screened

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends A1C testing for diabetes and prediabetes if:

You are over age 45.

  • If your results are normal, you should repeat the test every 3 years.
  • If your results show you have prediabetes, you will usually need to be tested every 1 to 2 years.
    Ask your provider how often to get tested and what you can do to reduce your risk of
    developing diabetes.
  • If your results show you have diabetes, you should get an A1C test at least twice a year to
    monitor your condition and treatment.

You are under 45 and are more likely to develop diabetes because you:

  • Have prediabetes.
  • Are overweight or have obesity.
  • Have a parent or sibling with type 2 diabetes.
  • Have high blood pressure or high cholesterol levels.
  • Have heart disease or have had a stroke.
  • Are physically active less than 3 times a week.
  • Have had gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy) or given birth to a baby over 9
    pounds.
  • Are African American, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian, or an Alaska Native person. Some
    Pacific Islander and Asian American people also have a higher risk of developing diabetes.
  • Have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

You may also need an A1C test if you have symptoms of diabetes, such as:

  • Feeling very thirsty
  • Urinating (peeing) a lot
  • Losing weight without trying
  • Feeling very hungry
  • Blurred vision
  • Numb or tingling hands or feet
  • Fatigue
  • Dry skin
  • Sores that heal slowly
  • Having more infections than usual

Source: medlineplus.gov