My 12 year son had an A1C score of 8%. What is an ideal A1c score for a child with type 1 diabetes?

An ideal score for a child with type 1 diabetes is dependent on the age and the assay that is being used. Find out from your diabetes care team what is appropriate for your child.

HVS
Additional comments from Stephanie Schwartz, diabetes nurse specialist:

An A1c of 8% in a 12 year boy is probably reasonable. While it could be lower, at this age, your son is probably entering puberty, and the hormonal surges during this period wreak havoc with blood glucose control. Insulin requirements change rapidly, often necessitating a two-threefold increase. Monitor carefully, and contact your son’s diabetes team frequently if you are unsure as to how to make changes.

Ideally, the A1c should be less than 1% above the upper limit of normal for the lab doing the test, but remember, this may be very difficult to achieve during puberty. Also, please keep in mind that the A1c is a number which should provide direction, and not be considered a “pass/fail”.

SS