Understanding Hemoglobin A1c: Your 2-3 Month Blood Sugar Snapshot 

If you’re navigating the complexities of prediabetes or diabetes, you’re likely familiar with the term “A1c.” But what does A1c stand for, and why is it crucial for managing your health? 

Hemoglobin A1c, often abbreviated as HbA1c, is a vital blood test that estimates your average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months. It does this by measuring the glycation of hemoglobin in your blood cells. Glycation is a process where sugar molecules attach to hemoglobin. 

Each A1c percentage correlates with an estimated average blood glucose level. For example, an A1c of 7.0% is equivalent to an estimated average blood sugar of 150 mg/dL. This relationship is pivotal in understanding how well your blood sugar is controlled over time. 

The A1c Test is Indispensable for Diagnosing Prediabetes and Diabetes: 

• An A1c below 5.7% is considered optimal. 

• An A1c ranging from 5.7% to 6.4% indicates prediabetes. 

• An A1c of 6.5% or higher on two separate tests suggests Type 2 Diabetes 

 

If you are trying to guesstimate what your next A1c is going to be, the best way to do this is to take multiple blood sugar readings/tests each day. When you average these readings (e.g. in the morning as soon as you wake up, before lunch, after lunch, before bed, etc.), you can guess where your A1c will be through utilizing the chart above. For instance, if your readings are 100, 110, 120, and 130 mg/dL, the average would be 115 mg/dL. To get an average, you add all the numbers up and divide that by how many you added up. So, it would look like this for the readings above. (100 mg/dl+110 mg/dl+120 mg/dl+130 mg/dl) divided by 4 readings = 115 mg/dl 

This average can help you estimate your A1c. For example, an average blood sugar of around 150 mg/dL usually means an A1c of about 7.0%. Although your ultimate goal may be to get to <117 mg/dl in the long run, it is important to note that the best way to get here is slow and steady. If you consistently have blood sugar readings that are below 70 mg/dL or above 180 mg/dL, click here to learn more about high and low blood sugar levels. 

Carrying your glucometer around can be made simple. Either find a case or use the one LIVE TULA provided to you and make sure you have all your supplies with you. This may include an alcohol wipe, a lancing device, lancets, test strips, personal cotton balls, and finally your glucometer. Some people even like to carry extra batteries for emergencies. 

It’s essential to be proactive and informed about your A1c levels. Sometimes, healthcare providers may not clearly inform you when you’re A1c results transition from prediabetes to diabetes. Knowing these thresholds empowers you to take charge of your health. 

Talking about your A1c goals with your doctor is important. These talks help you keep track of your condition by checking your blood sugar at home regularly. This way, you can stay on top of things between your A1c tests, which happen every 3 to 6 months. 

Sending Health Your Way!

The Tula Clinical Team

Reviewed by:
Aubree RN, BSN
Austin MS, RDN, CSR, LDN, CD