HbA1c Equation:
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HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin) is a form of hemoglobin that is chemically linked to glucose. It provides a measure of average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months and is a key indicator for diabetes management and diagnosis.
The calculator uses the HbA1c equation:
Where:
Explanation: This equation converts average blood glucose levels to the corresponding HbA1c percentage, providing a standardized way to monitor long-term glucose control.
Details: HbA1c measurement is crucial for diabetes diagnosis, monitoring treatment effectiveness, and assessing the risk of diabetes-related complications. It provides a more comprehensive view of glucose control than single blood glucose measurements.
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.
Q1: What is a normal HbA1c level?
A: For non-diabetic individuals, normal HbA1c is below 5.7%. Levels between 5.7% and 6.4% indicate prediabetes, and 6.5% or higher typically indicates diabetes.
Q2: How often should HbA1c be tested?
A: For people with diabetes, HbA1c should typically be tested every 3-6 months. For those with well-controlled diabetes, testing every 6 months may be sufficient.
Q3: Can HbA1c be inaccurate in certain conditions?
A: Yes, conditions that affect red blood cell turnover (such as anemia, recent blood loss, or hemoglobin variants) 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 2-3 month average. Both are important for comprehensive diabetes management.
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.