how does a1c relate to blood sugar levels

The A1C test measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. Here's how it works:

• What A1C Measures: The A1C test measures the percentage of your red blood cells that have sugar-coated hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein in your red blood cells that carries oxygen. When sugar enters your bloodstream, it attaches to hemoglobin.

• Average Blood Sugar: The A1C result is reported as a percentage. The higher the percentage, the higher your average blood sugar levels have been over the past few months.

• A1C and Blood Sugar Correlation: The A1C test can also estimate your average blood sugar level in mg/dL. For example:

  A1C % Estimated Average Glucose (mg/dL)

  6 126
  7 154
  8 183
  9 212
  10 240

• Diagnosis and Monitoring: A1C is used to diagnose prediabetes and diabetes, and to monitor how well your diabetes is being managed. The general ranges are:

  • Normal: Below 5.7%
  • Prediabetes: 5.7% to 6.4%
  • Diabetes: 6.5% or above

• Limitations: While A1C provides a good overall picture of blood sugar control, it doesn't capture daily fluctuations or spikes in blood sugar levels. Therefore, it's often used alongside regular blood sugar monitoring.