Diabetic Health in2it A1C gives you a picture of how your blood sugar levels have been over the past three months.  This is great for diabetics because it shows you how well you are managing your sugar.   You have a higher risk for diabetes if you have any of the following:

Family history of diabetes Low activity level Poor diet Excess body weight (especially around the waist) High blood pressure High blood levels of triglycerides (a type of fat molecule) HDL cholesterol of less than 35 Previously identified impaired glucose tolerance by your doctor Prevous diabetes during pregnancy or baby weighing more than 9 pounds Certain ethnicities - African, Hispanic, and Native Americans Everyone over 45 should have their blood glucose checked at least every three years.  Regular testing of random blood glucose should begin at a younger age, and be performed more often, if you are at higher risk for diabetes.