Is glucose the same as A1C?

No, glucose and A1C are not the same. Here’s a breakdown of the differences:

• Glucose: This refers to the sugar in your blood at a specific moment. It can be measured using a blood glucose meter, which provides a snapshot of your current blood sugar level.

• A1C (Hemoglobin A1C): This is a blood test that measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. It reflects the percentage of hemoglobin in your red blood cells that has glucose attached to it.

Aspect Glucose A1C

Measurement Current blood sugar level Average blood sugar over 2-3 months
Test Type Finger prick or continuous monitor Blood test (no fasting required)
Purpose Immediate blood sugar monitoring Long-term diabetes management

While glucose levels fluctuate throughout the day, A1C provides a broader picture of how well your blood sugar is managed over time. Both are important for managing diabetes, but they serve different purposes.