1. What is A1C?

The A1C test measures your average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months. It's a crucial marker for diabetes management and diagnosis, expressed as a percentage of hemoglobin that has glucose attached to it.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( eAG \) — Estimated Average Glucose (mg/dL)
• 46.7 and 28.7 — Constants derived from regression analysis

Explanation: This formula provides a linear relationship between average glucose levels and A1C percentage, validated through clinical studies.

3. Importance of A1C Measurement

Details: A1C is important for diabetes diagnosis (≥6.5% indicates diabetes) and monitoring treatment effectiveness. It correlates with diabetes complications risk.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your average glucose level in mg/dL. The value should be based on multiple measurements over time for accurate estimation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How accurate is this calculation?
A: The formula provides a good estimate but may differ slightly from lab-measured A1C due to individual variations in hemoglobin glycation.

Q2: What are normal A1C values?
A: Normal is below 5.7%, 5.7-6.4% indicates prediabetes, and 6.5% or higher suggests diabetes.

Q3: How often should A1C be tested?
A: For diabetes management, typically every 3-6 months depending on control level and treatment changes.

Q4: Can conditions affect A1C accuracy?
A: Yes, conditions like anemia, hemoglobin variants, kidney disease, or recent blood loss can impact A1C results.

Q5: What's the difference between A1C and daily glucose tests?
A: Daily tests show immediate glucose levels while A1C reflects long-term (2-3 month) average control.