What to Do If You Have High Blood Glucose (BG) or A1C During a Routine Doctor’s Visit

Learn what high blood glucose or A1C means, the follow-up steps to take, and how to manage diabetes risk with proactive lifestyle and medical strategies.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 26, 2025

Learn what high blood glucose or A1C means, the follow-up steps to take, and how to manage diabetes risk with proactive lifestyle and medical strategies.

Routine healthcare visits often include blood glucose and A1C testing to assess how well your body processes sugar. If your results for either of these tests are high, it’s a clear signal to take action to protect your health. Early intervention—whether through lifestyle changes, medication, or both—can help you manage your blood sugar and reduce your risk of complications.

Understanding Blood Glucose (BG) and A1C Tests

Your blood glucose levels show how much sugar is circulating in your blood at a single moment, while the A1C test reflects your average blood sugar over the past three months. The A1C test measures the percentage of your red blood cells that have sugar molecules attached, helping your doctor see your long-term blood sugar management.

Blood Glucose: Moment-in-time measurement, usually taken after fasting or meal.
A1C (Hemoglobin A1C): Average blood sugar over ~3 months, expressed as a percentage.

Why High Blood Glucose or A1C Matters

Elevated blood glucose or A1C can indicate a higher risk of prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. Persistent high levels may result in complications such as heart disease, kidney damage, nerve damage, and eye problems. Recognizing and responding to these signals is critical for long-term health.

Test	Normal Range	High/Concerning Range	What It Means
Fasting Blood Glucose	70–99 mg/dL	≥126 mg/dL	May indicate diabetes
A1C	<5.7%	≥6.5%	Diabetes diagnosis likely

Next Steps After High Blood Glucose or A1C Results

If your tests show above-normal levels, your healthcare provider will likely recommend further evaluation or confirmatory tests. These may include repeat blood tests, an oral glucose tolerance test, or urine analysis for ketones. The goals are to:

Confirm a diagnosis of prediabetes or diabetes
Assess any immediate health risks (such as diabetic ketoacidosis)
Develop an appropriate management plan

Blood Glucose and A1C: What the Values Mean

Blood glucose level fluctuates throughout the day and is affected by meals, stress, and activity. A1C offers a broader view—capturing three months of average sugar levels. Normal targets for adults are:

Blood Glucose: 70–130 mg/dL before meals; under 180 mg/dL after meals
A1C: Less than 5.7% is considered normal; 5.7–6.4% suggests prediabetes; 6.5% or greater usually indicates diabetes

Your provider may tailor your target ranges based on age, medical history, or complications.

What Causes High Blood Glucose or A1C?

Poor diet choices (high intake of simple carbohydrates, sugary drinks)
Sedentary lifestyle
Stress or illness
Insulin resistance or insufficient insulin
Medications interfering with glucose metabolism
Chronic conditions affecting metabolic health

Sometimes temporary elevation can be due to acute illness, infection, or recent stress. Your provider may ask about any recent changes in your health or medications.

Confirming a Diagnosis

If initial screening suggests high blood glucose or A1C, your provider may order additional tests to confirm a diagnosis. These could include:

Repeat fasting blood glucose tests
Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)
Urine tests for ketones or protein
Full metabolic profile to assess cholesterol, triglycerides, and kidney function

Early intervention is key—whether your results indicate prediabetes or type 2 diabetes.

Special Considerations

If you’re pregnant, high blood sugar may indicate gestational diabetes, requiring a different approach.
Certain medications (like corticosteroids or antipsychotics) can cause elevated blood glucose.
Some conditions (e.g., anemia) may affect A1C accuracy; alternative tests may be needed.

Managing High Blood Glucose or A1C Results

Immediate Steps

Review your laboratory results with your provider for context.
Repeat or follow-up tests if needed.
Create a personalized plan for lifestyle changes and/or medication.
Set up regular monitoring—home testing and periodic lab visits.

Your Diabetes Care Schedule

Test/Check	Recommended Frequency	Purpose
A1C Test	Every 3–6 months	Evaluates average blood sugar
Cholesterol Profile	Once a year	Monitors heart disease risk
Kidney Function (albumin, creatinine)	Once a year	Checks for diabetes-related kidney damage
Blood Pressure	Every visit	Monitors cardiovascular health
Weight	Every visit	Tracks risk for complications
Foot and Eye Exams	At least once a year	Detects early damage

Proactive Tips to Lower Blood Sugar

Eat a balanced diet: Emphasize vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, and minimize added sugars.
Increase activity: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week—walking, cycling, swimming.
Manage stress: Practice mindfulness, deep breathing, or yoga.
Take medications as prescribed: Adhere to your treatment plan and discuss any concerns with your provider.
Monitor your blood sugar: Use a home glucose meter and keep a record for your provider.
Keep regular checkups: Frequent follow-ups ensure your management plan is on track and adjustments can be made sooner.

Lifestyle Changes That Make a Difference

Limit processed foods and sugary drinks.
Choose whole foods: Whole fruits (in moderation), vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds.
Moderate alcohol intake.
Establish regular meal routines.
Avoid smoking.
Get enough sleep: Sleep deprivation can worsen blood sugar control.

Medication Options

Metformin: Common first-line oral medication for type 2 diabetes.
Insulin therapy: May be needed for type 1 diabetes or advanced type 2.
Other oral or injectable medications: Your provider may consider additional drugs based on your health profile.

Medication choices depend on your blood sugar levels, other health issues, and tolerance.

Long-Term Health Monitoring

Annual eye exam by an ophthalmologist or optometrist familiar with diabetic eye disease.
Regular foot exams to check for nerve damage, ulcers, and circulatory issues.
Blood pressure monitoring at every visit.
Comprehensive metabolic panel once or twice yearly.

Preventing Complications

Control blood pressure and cholesterol in addition to blood sugar.
Promptly address any infections, injuries, or changes in vision or nerve sensation.
Work with your healthcare team—diabetes educator, dietitian, pharmacist, and primary care provider.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What does a high A1C mean?

A: A high A1C indicates that your average blood sugar has been above healthy targets for the past three months. It signals increased risk of diabetes complications and warrants a proactive response, including lifestyle changes and possibly medication.

Q: Can diet alone lower my blood glucose?

A: For some people, especially those in early stages of prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, dietary changes combined with increased activity can be very effective. For others, medication may also be needed.

Q: How often should I get my A1C checked?

A: Most people with diabetes should have their A1C checked every three to six months. Your schedule may change if your treatment changes or your blood sugar goals are not being met.

Q: Is a blood glucose test enough, or do I need an A1C test too?

A: Both tests provide useful information. Blood glucose offers a point-in-time snapshot, while A1C shows long-term patterns. Together, they give a more complete picture of your diabetes control.

Q: If my blood glucose or A1C is high, does that mean I have diabetes?

A: Not always. A one-time elevated result can be influenced by temporary factors (like illness or stress). Confirmation requires repeat testing and a clinical diagnosis from your provider.

Q: What changes can I make today?

A: Start by limiting sugary foods and drinks, increasing vegetables and whole grains, exercising daily, and scheduling a follow-up with your provider for a personalized plan.

Takeaway: Stay Informed and Proactive

A high blood glucose or A1C result isn’t the end—it’s a call to action. Work closely with your healthcare provider to clarify what your results mean. Make early changes to diet, activity, and routines, and follow your doctor’s advice on further testing or treatment. Proactive management can help prevent long-term complications and support lifelong health.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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