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 expressed as a percentage and is commonly used to diagnose and monitor diabetes.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following formula to estimate A1C from average glucose:

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, allowing for easy conversion between these two measures of glycemic control.

3. Importance of A1C Measurement

Details: A1C is a crucial marker for diabetes management as it reflects long-term glucose control rather than single-point measurements. It helps assess treatment effectiveness and predict risk of diabetes complications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your average glucose level in mg/dL. The value should be based on multiple glucose measurements over time for accurate A1C estimation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How accurate is this calculation?
A: The formula provides a good estimate for most people, but individual variations in hemoglobin glycation may cause slight discrepancies from lab-measured A1C.

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 A1C tested every 3-6 months, depending on their treatment plan and stability of glucose control.

Q4: Can this formula be used in reverse?
A: Yes, to estimate average glucose from A1C: \( eAG = (28.7 \times A1C) - 46.7 \).

Q5: Are there conditions that affect A1C accuracy?
A: Yes, conditions like anemia, hemoglobin variants, kidney disease, or recent blood loss can make A1C less reliable.