What is A1c?
The A1c test, also known as glycated hemoglobin or HbA1c, provides an average measurement of your blood sugar levels over the past two to three months. This test works by measuring the percentage of hemoglobin, a protein in your red blood cells, that has sugar attached to it. When sugar enters your bloodstream, it naturally binds to hemoglobin, and the more sugar in your blood, the more of it attaches to these proteins.
Red blood cells typically live for about three months, which is why the A1c test offers a long-term view of your glucose control rather than just a snapshot of a single moment. The A1c result is always reported as a percentage.
Converting Average Blood Sugar to A1c
An average blood sugar level of 141 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) roughly corresponds to an A1c percentage of 6.5%. This conversion is based on a concept known as Estimated Average Glucose (eAG), which translates the A1c percentage into the same units that people typically see on their home blood glucose meters.
Healthcare professionals often use conversion charts or formulas to relate A1c percentages to average blood glucose levels in mg/dL. For example, an A1c of 6.0% generally equates to an eAG of 126 mg/dL. Moving slightly higher, an A1c of 7.0% corresponds to an eAG of 154 mg/dL. Therefore, an average blood sugar of 141 mg/dL sits precisely between these values, indicating an A1c of approximately 6.5%.
Interpreting Your A1c Result
Understanding your A1c percentage is important because it indicates your long-term blood sugar status. For individuals without diagnosed diabetes, an A1c level below 5.7% is typically considered within the normal range. This range suggests that blood glucose levels have been consistently well-managed over the preceding months.
When A1c levels fall between 5.7% and 6.4%, it generally indicates prediabetes. This range signals that blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. Prediabetes suggests an increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes and other health complications.
An A1c result of 6.5% or higher is typically used to diagnose diabetes. Given that an average blood sugar of 141 mg/dL translates to an A1c of approximately 6.5%, this level falls into the diabetes category. This diagnostic threshold is often confirmed with a repeat test on a separate occasion or in conjunction with other diagnostic blood tests.
However, an A1c result should always be discussed with a healthcare professional, as they can provide an accurate diagnosis, interpret the results within your overall health context, and offer personalized medical advice.