1. What is HbA1c?

HbA1c (Hemoglobin A1c) is a form of hemoglobin that is chemically linked to sugar. It provides a three-month average of blood glucose levels and is a crucial marker for long-term glucose control in diabetes management.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following formula:

Where:

• eAG — Estimated Average Glucose (mg/dL)
• 46.7 and 28.7 — Conversion constants

Explanation: This formula converts average blood glucose levels over approximately 3 months into the HbA1c percentage that represents glycated hemoglobin.

3. Importance of HbA1c Measurement

Details: HbA1c testing is essential for diabetes diagnosis and monitoring. It reflects long-term glucose control and helps assess the risk of diabetes complications. The American Diabetes Association recommends maintaining HbA1c below 7% for most adults with diabetes.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your average blood glucose level in mg/dL. The value should be based on multiple glucose readings over time for accurate HbA1c estimation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the normal range for HbA1c?
A: For non-diabetics, normal HbA1c is below 5.7%. 5.7%-6.4% indicates prediabetes, and 6.5% or higher suggests diabetes.

Q2: How often should HbA1c be tested?
A: People with diabetes should typically have HbA1c tested every 3-6 months, depending on their treatment plan and glucose control.

Q3: Can HbA1c be inaccurate in certain conditions?
A: Yes, conditions like anemia, hemoglobin variants, kidney disease, or recent blood loss can affect HbA1c accuracy.

Q4: What's the difference between HbA1c and daily glucose monitoring?
A: Daily glucose monitoring shows immediate blood sugar levels, while HbA1c provides a long-term average of glucose control over 2-3 months.

Q5: How can I lower my HbA1c?
A: Through consistent medication adherence, healthy diet, regular exercise, weight management, and regular glucose monitoring as directed by your healthcare provider.