Medical Education & Support

How does monitoring blood sugar affect overall health in diabetes?

Monitoring blood sugar is crucial for managing diabetes because it helps keep blood glucose levels within a target range. Consistent monitoring can help individuals adjust diet, exercise, and medication as needed, which reduces the risk of complications such as heart disease, kidney damage, and vision problems. By keeping blood sugar levels stable, individuals can improve their overall health and quality of life and help prevent long-term complications associated with diabetes.

What are ways to live a long and healthy life?

To support a long and healthy life—especially for individuals managing diabetes—consider the following:

• Manage blood sugar: Keep blood glucose levels in check through diet, activity, and medication as directed.
• Healthy eating: Focus on balanced meals with whole foods, fruits, and vegetables.
• Regular exercise: Stay active to maintain a healthy weight and improve insulin sensitivity.
• Regular check-ups: Get routine medical check-ups to identify issues early.
• Avoid/manage risk factors: Address factors such as obesity and family history with a care plan.

What are the benefits of A1C testing when done correctly?

When performed at recommended intervals, A1C testing provides important insights into long-term glucose control and health risks:

• Assessing long-term risk: A strong indicator of risk for diabetes complications such as heart disease, kidney damage, nerve damage, and vision loss.
• Comprehensive view: Captures blood sugar trends, including highs that may occur overnight or between daily checks.
• Evaluating treatment: Helps determine whether current medication, diet, and exercise plans are effective and whether adjustments are needed.

Think of A1C as a long-term “report card” for diabetes management, while daily glucose checks are “quiz scores” used to guide day-to-day decisions.

What is the general A1C target and why can it vary?

A1C goals are individualized and should be set with a healthcare provider. A commonly used general recommendation for many non-pregnant adults is an A1C goal of < 7.0%, as maintaining A1C below this level has been associated with reduced risk of long-term microvascular complications.

However, a lower A1C is not always better for everyone. Targets may be adjusted due to factors such as hypoglycemia risk, overall health status, comorbidities, diabetes duration, and life expectancy.

What factors may support a looser (higher) A1C target?

A less stringent goal (for example, < 8.0% or higher) may be recommended when the risks of intensive treatment outweigh the benefits. This may include individuals with:

• History of severe hypoglycemia or hypoglycemia unawareness
• Limited life expectancy due to advanced age or serious chronic illness
• Long-standing diabetes where lower A1C is difficult to achieve safely
• Extensive comorbidities, including established cardiovascular disease

What factors may support a stricter (lower) A1C target?

A more aggressive goal (for example, < 6.5%) may be appropriate for individuals who can safely achieve it, which often includes:

• Newly diagnosed or short duration of diabetes
• Long life expectancy and otherwise good health
• No significant cardiovascular disease
• Management with lifestyle changes and/or medications with low hypoglycemia risk
• Pregnancy (often requires stricter targets with provider guidance)

How does A1C relate to estimated average glucose (eAG)?

A1C can be interpreted as an estimated average blood glucose level (eAG). Common reference values include:

• 6.0%: ~126 mg/dL
• 7.0%: ~154 mg/dL
• 8.0%: ~183 mg/dL
• 9.0%: ~212 mg/dL

I would like to subscribe. How do I pay?

Most major healthcare providers offer electronic billing through a patient portal (such as MyChart) or a secure payment site linked from your bill.

How to pay healthcare bills online

1) Find your billing access point

• Check your paper bill: Look for the payment website and your account number or payment ID.
• Use the patient portal: Log in and navigate to Billing or Statements.
• Provider website: Look for links like “Pay Your Bill,” “Billing & Insurance,” or “Patient Financial Services.”

2) Steps for online payment

• Enter account information: Use statement details (account number/guarantor ID, DOB/last name for verification).
• View and select bill: Choose which bill(s) you want to pay.
• Choose payment amount: Pay in full or a partial amount (if available). If you can’t pay in full, ask about a formal payment plan.
• Select payment method: Bank transfer (ACH/eCheck), credit/debit card, or HSA/FSA card (availability varies).
• Review and submit: Confirm totals and any processing fees before submitting.
• Save confirmation: Print or save the confirmation and keep the email receipt if provided.

Financial assistance tip: If you are struggling to pay a large bill, contact the provider’s Financial Assistance office to ask about no-interest payment plans or other support options before the bill is sent to collections.