1. What is HbA1c?

HbA1c (Hemoglobin A1c) is a form of hemoglobin that is chemically linked to sugar. It provides a three-month average of blood glucose levels and is a crucial marker for diabetes management and diagnosis.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the estimation formula:

Where:

• \( BS \) — Blood Sugar level (mg/dL)

Explanation: This formula provides an estimated HbA1c percentage based on a single blood glucose measurement, though actual HbA1c reflects average glucose over 2-3 months.

3. Importance of HbA1c Measurement

Details: HbA1c is a critical marker for diabetes diagnosis and monitoring. It helps assess long-term glucose control and predict diabetes-related complications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter blood sugar level in mg/dL. The value must be valid (blood sugar > 0). This provides an estimation - for accurate diagnosis, laboratory HbA1c testing is recommended.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the normal range for HbA1c?
A: Normal HbA1c is below 5.7%. 5.7%-6.4% indicates prediabetes, and 6.5% or higher indicates diabetes.

Q2: How accurate is this estimation formula?
A: This provides a rough estimation. Actual HbA1c should be measured through laboratory tests for clinical decisions.

Q3: How often should HbA1c be tested?
A: Diabetics typically test every 3-6 months. Non-diabetics may test annually or as recommended by healthcare providers.

Q4: Can factors affect HbA1c accuracy?
A: Yes, conditions like anemia, hemoglobin variants, kidney disease, and certain medications can affect HbA1c results.

Q5: What's the difference between HbA1c and daily glucose monitoring?
A: Daily monitoring shows immediate glucose levels, while HbA1c provides a long-term average of glucose control over 2-3 months.