1. What is HbA1c?

HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin) is a form of hemoglobin that is chemically linked to glucose. It provides an average of blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months and is a key indicator for diabetes management and diagnosis.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the HbA1c conversion formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: This formula converts average blood glucose levels to the corresponding HbA1c percentage, providing a standardized way to interpret glucose control over time.

3. Importance of HbA1c Measurement

Details: HbA1c is crucial for diabetes diagnosis, monitoring treatment effectiveness, and assessing long-term glycemic control. It helps reduce the risk of diabetes complications when maintained within target ranges.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a normal HbA1c level?
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: Diabetics should typically test every 3-6 months, while those with well-controlled diabetes may test every 6 months.

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 readings?
A: Daily readings show momentary glucose levels, while HbA1c provides a 2-3 month average of glucose control.

Q5: Are there different units for reporting HbA1c?
A: While percentage (%) is most common, some countries use mmol/mol (IFCC units). The conversion is: HbA1c (mmol/mol) = (HbA1c (%) - 2.15) × 10.929.