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 glycemic control in diabetes management.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following formula:

Where:

• \( \text{eAG} \) — Estimated Average Glucose in mg/dL
• 46.7 and 28.7 — Conversion constants derived from research studies

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

3. Importance of HbA1c Measurement

Details: HbA1c testing is essential for diabetes diagnosis and monitoring. It reflects long-term glucose control and helps guide treatment decisions to prevent diabetes complications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your average blood 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 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 have HbA1c tested every 3-6 months, depending on their treatment plan and stability of 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 real-time fluctuations, while HbA1c provides a long-term average of glucose control over 2-3 months.

Q5: How does HbA1c correlate with average glucose levels?
A: Generally, an HbA1c of 6% corresponds to an average glucose of 126 mg/dL, with each 1% change representing approximately 29 mg/dL change in average glucose.