How can I find out what my average blood sugar is?

Ask your health care provider to do a hemoglobin A-1-c (HE-moh-glow-bin A-1-c) test. This blood test shows the average amount of sugar in your blood during the past 3 months. Have this test done at least twice a year. Your health care provider uses this test plus your blood glucose meter test results to tell if your blood sugar is under control.

Aim for a score of less than 7 percent. If your test result is less than 7 percent, then your blood sugar is in a good range and your diabetes treatment plan is working. You are doing all you can to prevent diabetes problems.

A test result of more than 8 percent is too high. At more than 8 percent, you have a greater chance of getting diabetes problems, like kidney damage, and you need a change in your diabetes plan. Your health care provider can help you decide what part of your plan to change. You may need to change your meal plan, your diabetes medicines, or your exercise plan.

Keep your hemoglobin A-1-c below 7 percent.