Is A1C the same as glucose?

No, A1C and glucose are not the same, but they are related. Here’s the difference:

• Glucose: This is the sugar found in your blood that your body uses for energy. Blood glucose levels can fluctuate throughout the day based on food, exercise, and other factors.
• A1C (Hemoglobin A1C): This is a blood test that measures your average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months. It reflects the percentage of hemoglobin (a protein in red blood cells) that has glucose attached to it.

While glucose gives you a snapshot of your blood sugar at a specific moment, A1C provides a long-term view of your blood sugar control.