Topic Overview
A1c is a test that shows the average level
of blood sugar over the past 2 to 3 months. People who have
diabetes need to have this test done regularly to see
whether their blood sugar levels have been staying within a target
range. This test is also used to diagnose diabetes.
A1c test results show your average blood sugar
level over time. The result is reported as a percentage. Your goal is to keep
your hemoglobin A1c level as close to your target level as possible. You and your doctor will work together to set your safe target level.
The result of
your A1c test can also be used to estimate your average blood sugar
level. This is called your estimated average glucose, or eAG. Your eAG and A1c
show the same thing in two different ways. They both help you know about your
average blood sugar over the past 2 to 3 months.
The table below
shows A1c with estimated average glucose.
A1c and estimated average glucose (eAG)footnote 1| Hemoglobin A1c % | Estimated average glucose (mg/dL) |
|---|
| 6% | 126 |
| 7% | 154 |
| 8% | 183 |
| 9% | 212 |
| 10% | 240 |
| 11% | 269 |
| 12% | 298 |
References
Citations
- American Diabetes Association (2017). Standards of medical care in diabetes-2017. Diabetes Care, 40(Suppl 1): S1-S135. http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/40/Supplement_1. Accessed December 15, 2016.
Credits
ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerE. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerRhonda O'Brien, MS, RD, CDE - Certified Diabetes Educator
Current as ofApril 3, 2017
Current as of:
April 3, 2017
American Diabetes Association (2017). Standards of medical care in diabetes-2017. Diabetes Care, 40(Suppl 1): S1-S135. http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/40/Supplement_1. Accessed December 15, 2016.