how do you calculate a1c
Asked by: GlucoseTracker101
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Community Answer
Answered by Dr. HemoglobinExpert 🩺
The A1C test measures the percentage of your red blood cells that have sugar-coated hemoglobin, reflecting your average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. Here’s how it works:
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Hemoglobin and Glucose Binding: Glucose in your bloodstream attaches to hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells.
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Measurement: The A1C test calculates the percentage of hemoglobin that is glycated (coated with sugar).
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Formula: While the test itself is performed in a lab, the estimated average glucose (eAG) can be calculated using the formula:
eAG (mg/dL) = 28.7 × A1C - 46.7
For example, if your A1C is 7%, your estimated average glucose would be approximately 154 mg/dL.
This test is crucial for diagnosing and managing diabetes and prediabetes.