Health & Wellness
A1C Testing for Blood Sugar
In Napa, Sonoma and Benicia
Looking for a A1C Test Near Me? We got you covered in Napa, Benicia and Sonoma.
If you are monitoring your diabetes or simply want to get a quick measurement of your current blood sugar, come into one of the Urgent Care + TeleHealth clinics in Napa, Sonoma or Benicia. You don’t need an appointment and you don’t need a referral from another doctor. You’ll have your results from our in-office test on the same day and it’s just a finger prick rather than a full blood draw. We make healthcare quick, convenient, and affordable.
full service diabetes care team
Unlike A1C tests at labs, we’re a full-service Urgent Care clinic and we’ll review your results with you and help you with a treatment plan if necessary.
The A1C test only takes a few minutes to perform and you can visit us on the weekends in Napa or Benicia. You don’t need an appointment although you are welcome to make one through our online scheduling system.
The Urgent Care + TeleHealth diabetes care team has the skills and experience necessary to diagnose and treat diabetes. We offer high-tech solutions for diabetes management such as a cellular-enabled remote monitoring glucose meter which is free to those 65 and over on Medicare (while supplies last).
In addition, the clinics have certified wound care specialists on staff who have specialized training to care for chronic wounds that sometimes occur with diabetes. Our clinics are managed by an emergency medicine physician, Dr. Ian Ahwah, who has 25 years of clinical experience.
Making Healthcare Quick and Easy
- A1C tests are done in-house here at the clinics.
- We offer remote blood sugar monitors to those 65+ free of charge. (For those on Medicare while supplies last.)
- We offer easy online appointments and weekend hours in Napa and Benicia.
- Our usually short wait times let you fit in an appointment during your lunch break or after work.
- No appointment is necessary. You are welcome to just come on in and we’ll see you as soon as possible.
- The Urgent Care clinics are managed by a skilled emergency medicine doctor, Dr. Ian Ahwah, who has 25 years of clinical experience working at area hospitals and urgent care.
Questions and Answers about A1C Testing
What is an A1C test?
An A1C test, also known as the hemoglobin A1C test is a blood test that measures your average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months. It provides valuable information about how well you’re managing your blood sugar and/or diabetes. The higher the A1C percentage, the higher your average blood sugar levels have been.
A1C is a quick blood test used by medical professionals to:
- Identify diabetes risk
- Aid in identifying Type 2 diabetes
- Determine whether you have Type 2 diabetes or Type 1 diabetes
- Check how your management strategy is working
Your A1C level might inform you and your healthcare professional about whether you need to alter your treatment plan.
Other names for an A1C test include:
- Hemoglobin A1C.
- HbA1c.
- Glycated hemoglobin.
- Glycohemoglobin test.
When should I visit urgent care to get an A1C test?
- If you have already been diagnosed with diabetes, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that you get an A1C test at least twice a year and more often if you have other health conditions. Your healthcare provider at Urgent Care + TeleHealth may recommend more frequent testing if you are having trouble controlling your diabetes or you’re changing your treatment regimen.
At Urgent Care + TeleHealth, our goal is to make it easy for people to get A1C tests when they have the time. Simply walk into one of our clinics when you are free and we’ll take care of it even without an appointment. We also have weekend hours in Napa and Benicia.
If you have not been diagnosed with diabetes, but have symptoms of diabetes such as increased thirst, frequent urination, blurring of vision, or feeling tired most of the time – we recommend getting an A1C test.
Keep in mind that if diabetes is left untreated, it can lead to serious health issues such as vision loss, kidney disease, heart attacks, numbness in your extremities. So it’s a good idea to get your blood sugar checked regularly.
A1C tests are also helpful to screen for Type 2 Diabetes if there is a risk factor present. The risk factors include:
- Family History of Type 2 Diabetes
- Personal History of Gestational Diabetes ( Diabetes during pregnancy)
- Obesity
- Insufficient exercise or activity
- Age above 35
I haven't been diagnosed with diabetes, but am concerned about it. Can I come in for an A1C test?
Yes, that’s a valid concern and it’s great to hear that you are staying on top of your health.. We recommend visiting urgent care for a diabetes screening if you experience frequent urination, excessive thirst, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or blurred vision. The healthcare professionals at the clinics can assess your risk factors and perform necessary tests.
Do I need an appointment for an A1C test?
At Urgent Care + TeleHealth We aim to make healthcare as easy as possible, so we accept both walk-ins and appointments.
What are symptoms of diabetes that I should be aware of?
It is important to know that some people with diabetes may not experience any symptoms in the early stages of the disease. That’s why regular check ups and screenings are essential for early detection and prompt treatment.
Common symptoms include frequent urination, excessive thirst, unexplained weight loss, increased hunger, fatigue and slow healing wounds or frequent infections.
Do I need to fast before my A1C test?
No fasting is not required before an A1C exam. You can eat and drink normally on the day of the test.
How can I stay on top of my blood sugar?
One of the best ways to stay on top of your blood sugar is to regularly monitor your blood sugar levels with an A1C test. That is a crucial part of managing diabetes efficiently.
One option to make managing your blood sugar easier is to use a remote monitoring glucose meter. The device that we provide allows you to test your blood sugar remotely from the convenience of your home and it sends the results automatically to our team.
Remote Patient Monitoring services are accessible at zero cost for people aged 65+ under the Medicare program. Please ask us about this program. It’s particularly helpful for people who have mobility issues and have difficulty coming to a clinic.
What are the dangers of untreated diabetes?
The higher your A1C levels, especially if they are elevated over a long period of time, the greater the likelihood that you’ll experience issues like: heart disease, nerve damage,weakened arterial vessels/organ destruction increasing risks of kidney disease, stroke and damage eyesight, causing vision loss or foot complications like neuropathy.
According to studies, individuals with diabetes may be able to lower their chance of developing complications by continuously maintaining A1C readings below 7%. It’s crucial to keep in mind that other factors, like genetics and how long you’ve had diabetes, may also play a role in the development of diabetes complications.
Proper care requires keeping a healthy range of blood sugar levels by following a proper treatment plan leading an active & healthy lifestyle, and regularly checking on your blood sugar levels, along with regular visits with health care professionals.
The Center for Disease Control Prevention (CDC) provides comprehensive advice on glycemic management and emphasizes the importance of incorporating A1C tests into diabetic treatment programs so that people can avoid the potentially devastating health risks associated with the disease.
References
- (2018, August 21). All About Your A1C. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://bit.ly/2Nc2IA0
- (n.d.). A1C: What It Is, Test, Levels & Chart. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/9731-a1c
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