1. What is HbA1c?

HbA1c (Hemoglobin A1c) is a form of hemoglobin that is chemically linked to sugar. It provides a 2-3 month average of blood glucose levels and is a crucial marker for diabetes management and diagnosis.

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 clinical studies

Explanation: This formula converts average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months into an HbA1c percentage, which represents the percentage of glycated hemoglobin in the blood.

3. Importance of HbA1c Measurement

Details: HbA1c testing is essential for diabetes diagnosis, monitoring treatment effectiveness, and assessing long-term glycemic control. It helps reduce the risk of diabetes complications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your average blood glucose level in mg/dL. The value must be greater than 0. For accurate results, use glucose data collected over at least 2-3 months.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How accurate is this conversion?
A: The formula provides a good estimate, but laboratory HbA1c testing is more accurate for clinical decisions.

Q2: What are normal HbA1c values?
A: Normal is below 5.7%, 5.7%-6.4% indicates prediabetes, and 6.5% or higher suggests diabetes.

Q3: How often should HbA1c be tested?
A: Diabetics should typically test every 3-6 months, while those with stable control may test annually.

Q4: Can factors affect HbA1c accuracy?
A: Yes, conditions like anemia, hemoglobin variants, kidney disease, and pregnancy can affect results.

Q5: Is there a different formula for mmol/L?
A: Yes, if using mmol/L for glucose: HbA1c = (eAG + 2.59) / 1.59 (where eAG is in mmol/L).