A1C is a blood test done in a doctor’s office or in a laboratory. An A1C shows your average blood sugar level over the past 2 to 3 months—and, by extension, how well your blood sugar is being controlled over time. Generally, doctors recommend that you get an A1C test up to 4 times a year.
It's important to know your A1C because it tells how balanced your blood sugar level is staying over time. Balanced blood sugar means that your blood sugar level is neither too high nor too low. It stays within a healthy range.
If your A1C is higher than it should be, don't lose hope. You CAN take steps to help bring it down. Every step you take now can help you lower your risk of future health problems caused by diabetes.
What should your target A1C be?
You and your doctor will decide what your target A1C should be. For most people with diabetes, the American Diabetes Association recommends an A1C of less than 7%. Another group of experts, the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, recommends an even lower A1C of 6.5% or less.
Talk to your doctor about your A1C
Ask your doctor about how adding JANUVIA to your medication regimen can help you reach your A1C goal. JANUVIA is a once-daily medication that can help lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. In studies, people who added JANUVIA to metformin further lowered their A1C. In fact, more than twice as many people taking JANUVIA and metformin reached an A1C goal of less than 7% compared with those taking metformin alone.
JANUVIA is a different type of medicine for people with type 2 diabetes
JANUVIA is a once-daily prescription pill that, along with diet and exercise, helps lower blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes.
JANUVIA is not approved to treat the serious problems that may result from high blood sugar.
How much do you know about type 2 diabetes? Take our Type 2 Diabetes Quiz.
JANUVIA (jah-NEW-vee-ah) is a once-daily prescription pill that, along with diet and exercise, helps lower blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes.
Important Information About JANUVIA
JANUVIA has not been studied with insulin and should not be used to treat patients with type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis (increased ketones in the blood or urine) or used if you are allergic to JANUVIA. Your doctor may perform blood tests from time to time to measure how well your kidneys are working. If you have kidney problems, your doctor may prescribe lower doses of JANUVIA.
When JANUVIA is used with a sulfonylurea, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can occur. To avoid this risk, your doctor may prescribe lower doses of the sulfonylurea.
Allergic reactions, which may be serious, including rash, hives, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and throat that may cause difficulty breathing or swallowing, can occur. If you have an allergic reaction, stop taking JANUVIA and call your doctor right away. The most common side effects include upper respiratory tract infection, stuffy or runny nose and sore throat, and headache.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Please read the Patient Information and discuss it with your doctor. Also available is the Prescribing Information.
JANUVIA is a registered trademark and Steps to Balance is a trademark of Merck & Co., Inc.
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