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 crucial marker for diabetes management.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the 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.

3. Importance of HbA1c Measurement

Details: HbA1c is a critical diabetes management tool that reflects long-term glucose control, helps assess treatment effectiveness, and predicts diabetes-related complications risk.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your average glucose level in mg/dL. The value must be a positive number. The calculator will provide the corresponding HbA1c percentage.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the normal range for HbA1c?
A: Normal HbA1c is below 5.7%. 5.7%-6.4% indicates prediabetes, and 6.5% or higher indicates 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 stability.

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 real-time levels, while HbA1c provides a long-term average of glucose control over 2-3 months.

Q5: Can this calculator be used for diagnosis?
A: No, this is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional for proper diabetes diagnosis and management.