A1C Conversion Chart and Calculator
Your A1C test result (also known as HbA1c or glycated hemoglobin) can be a good gauge of your diabetes control because it provides an estimated average blood glucose level over the past few months. However, unlike daily blood glucose test results, which are reported as mg/dL, A1C is often reported as a percentage, which can make it difficult to understand the relationship between the two values.
The content below is provided to help illustrate the relationship between A1C and estimated average blood glucose (eAG) levels. Use this information to become more familiar with the relationship between the two values and help improve discussion of glucose control with your doctor regardless of the units your results are presented in– never as a basis for changing your disease management on your own.
| A1C (%) | eAG (mg/dL) |
|---|---|
| 6.0 | 126 |
| 6.5 | 140 |
| 7.0 | 154 |
| 7.5 | 169 |
| 8.0 | 183 |
| 8.5 | 197 |
| 9.0 | 212 |
| 9.5 | 226 |
| 10 | 240 |
| Please discuss this additional information with your healthcare provider to gain a better understanding of your overall diabetes management plan. The chart should not be used to make therapy decisions or changes. | |
Don’t see your specific A1C value? Simply enter your latest A1C result and click calculate to see how that number may correlate to your estimated average daily blood sugar levels.2
Please discuss this additional information with your healthcare provider to gain a better understanding of your overall diabetes management plan. The calculation should not be used to make therapy decisions or changes.
What is A1c?
The A1C test (also known as HbA1c or glycated hemoglobin) is performed by your doctor during your regular visits. The test measures the percentage of your red blood cells that have glycated hemoglobin within them.
Here's how it works:
- When sugar enters your bloodstream it naturally attaches itself to a protein found in the blood called hemoglobin– when that happens, the cell is considered “glycated.” Everyone has some percentage of glycated cells, but people with high blood sugar have more of them.
- Since red blood cells have an average lifespan of about 3 months, your A1C test sample will include cells that are a few days, a few weeks, and even a few months old. As a result, the test can be used to serve as an average of blood sugar control over the span of about 2 to 3 months.
- The more sugar in your blood, the higher the percentage of glycated A1C cells you'll have— your A1C result represents that percentage of glycated cells discovered at the time of testing.3
What does my A1c result mean?
Your A1C test result can be a good general gauge of your diabetes control because it provides an average blood glucose level over the past few months. For example, if you check blood glucose 100 times in a month, and your average result is 190 mg/dL this would lead to an A1C of approximately 8.2%. For most adults with diabetes, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends an A1C of 7% or lower, so a result of 8.2% would typically be considered above target. However, when it comes to your A1C test results, there really is no “one-size-fits-all” target as things like age, pregnancy, and other factors contribute to a person’s individual goal– for some people, a tighter goal of 6.5% may be appropriate, and for others, a less stringent goal such as 8% may be better.1It is important to talk to your doctor about the right goal for you.
If you’re someone who has already been diagnosed with diabetes, your periodic test results can be compared with your target A1C levels to help your doctor determine whether your treatment plan is working, or if additional changes should be made. In other cases, A1C test results can be used for diagnosis, based on the following guidelines:1
| Normal | Below 5.7% |
| Prediabetes | 5.7% - 6.4% |
| Diabetes | 6.5% or above |
The importance of self-monitoring blood glucose and A1C.
A1C is important, but it's not a substitute for frequent self-monitoring. Only regular blood sugar checks show you how meals, activity, medications and stress affect your blood sugar at a single moment in time, as well as over the course of a day or week. Without regular self-testing to provide day-to-day insights, an A1C result can be confusing. Because the results give a long-term view, a person with frequent highs and lows could have an in range A1C result that looks quite healthy.4
The only way to get a complete picture of your blood sugar control is by reviewing your day-to-day self-checks along with your regular A1C tests, and working closely with your healthcare team to interpret the results
How often do I need an A1C test?
Many factors can affect blood glucose, so it's critical to have your A1C checked by your doctor regularly. The ADA recommends an A1C test at least 2 times a year for those who are consistently meeting their diabetes goals For those who have changed their therapy or who are not meeting glycemic goals, an A1C test might need to be performed more often. Your doctor will help you decide what's right for you.1
What are the benefits of lowering your A1C test result?
Keeping your A1C test results low can significantly reduce the risk of long-term diabetes complications such as nerve problems, damage to your eyes, kidney disease and heart problems.3