1. What is A1C?

A1C (glycated hemoglobin) is a blood test that measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. It's an important indicator of long-term glucose control, especially for people with diabetes.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( average\_glucose \) — Your average blood glucose level in mg/dL

Explanation: This formula provides an estimated A1C value based on your average blood glucose levels.

3. Importance of A1C Measurement

Details: A1C is crucial for diabetes management as it reflects long-term glucose control rather than momentary readings. It helps assess treatment effectiveness and predict diabetes complications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your average blood glucose level in mg/dL. For best results, use an average calculated from multiple readings over time.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How accurate is this calculation?
A: This provides a good estimate, but actual A1C may vary due to individual differences 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: People with diabetes should typically have it checked every 3-6 months.

Q4: Can A1C be inaccurate in some cases?
A: Yes, conditions like anemia or hemoglobin variants can affect A1C accuracy.

Q5: What's the difference between A1C and eAG?
A: eAG (estimated Average Glucose) is calculated from A1C to express it in mg/dL units similar to daily glucose readings.