A1C to Blood Sugar Calculator
The A1C test is a crucial measure of long-term blood sugar control in diabetes management. This comprehensive table provides a quick reference for converting A1C percentages to estimated average glucose (eAG) levels in both mg/dL and mmol/L. Here’s what you need to know about the relationship between A1C and blood sugar levels:
| A1C (%) | eAG (mg/dL) | eAG (mmol/L) |
|---|---|---|
| 4.0 | 68 | 3.8 |
| 4.5 | 82 | 4.6 |
| 5.0 | 97 | 5.4 |
| 5.5 | 111 | 6.2 |
| 6.0 | 126 | 7.0 |
| 6.5 | 140 | 7.8 |
| 7.0 | 154 | 8.6 |
| 7.5 | 169 | 9.4 |
| 8.0 | 183 | 10.2 |
| 8.5 | 197 | 10.9 |
| 9.0 | 212 | 11.8 |
| 9.5 | 226 | 12.6 |
| 10.0 | 240 | 13.4 |
Key Points:
- A1C Measurement: A1C is measured as a percentage and reflects average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months.
- Conversion Formula: The table is based on the formula: eAG (mg/dL) = 28.7 × A1C – 46.7.
- Normal Range: For most adults without diabetes, a normal A1C is below 5.7%. A result between 5.7% and 6.4% indicates prediabetes, while 6.5% or higher suggests diabetes.
- Target Ranges: For many adults with diabetes, the American Diabetes Association recommends an A1C target of less than 7%. However, individual targets may vary based on factors such as age and overall health.
- Interpretation: An A1C of 7% corresponds to an estimated average glucose of 154 mg/dL (8.6 mmol/L). This means that for every 1% increase in A1C, there’s an approximate increase of 29 mg/dL (1.6 mmol/L) in average blood glucose.
- Frequency of Testing: A1C tests are typically performed every 3 to 6 months for people with diabetes, depending on how well their blood sugar is controlled and their treatment plan.
- Limitations: While A1C provides a good overall picture of blood sugar control, it doesn’t capture day-to-day fluctuations or patterns. It should be used in conjunction with regular blood glucose monitoring for comprehensive diabetes management.
This table and information provide a valuable reference for understanding the relationship between A1C percentages and average blood glucose levels, aiding in diabetes management and interpretation of test results.