Question about AC1 value vs. daily meter readings

[MikeZ]

Greetings

Is the resulting number from an A1C test given in the same terms, (in other words, are they measuring for the same thing), as the number you see when you do your daily BG tests? For example, the test that resulted in my initial diagnosis was an A1C of 9.5. My daily test meter numbers range from 70 to 120 with most falling in the 110 to 115 range. Using a conversion app, that puts me in the range of about a 6 - 6.5 BG level with the very occasional reading of around 4.

If I continue getting the same readings for 3 months and then do another A1C test, does that mean that, theoretically, the result would also be in the 6 to 6.5 range? My doctor set me at a goal of an A1C of 7. Am I already below that goal?

I am aware that my current readings do not really make sense given the inital A1C result, but I made some fairly aggressive lifestyle changes a few weeks prior to that test.

Type 2 and baffled

I should mention that I'm American and I think my meter is set to mg/dl... whatever that is.

Thanks for your time.

 

[Hergen]

mg/dl (milligrams per 100 milliliters) and mmol are essentially the same, just expressed in different values. As you've found out yourself, just take mmol times 18 or divide mg/dl by 18 to get the respective results.

The hbA1c (or A1c) test measures glucose that has stuck to your red blood cells. As red blood cells live 2-3 months, that delivers an average reading for the last 2-3 months. The results are different as it measures glucose on a different medium, but they can be converted (see the chart I linked below). More experienced members can feel free to correct me, but my understanding is that if you measure for 3 months on a daily basis and take the average, it should be roughly the same as your A1c reading after that same time.

The chart here might help you, it certainly helped me:
http://www.diabetes.co.uk/what-is-hba1c.html

 

[MikeZ]

mg/dl (milligrams per 100 milliliters) and mmol are essentially the same, just expressed in different values. As you've found out yourself, just take mmol times 18 or divide mg/dl by 18 to get the respective results.

The hbA1c (or A1c) test measures glucose that has stuck to your red blood cells. As red blood cells live 2-3 months, that delivers an average reading for the last 2-3 months. The results are different as it measures glucose on a different medium, but they can be converted (see the chart I linked below). More experienced members can feel free to correct me, but my understanding is that if you measure for 3 months on a daily basis and take the average, it should be roughly the same as your A1c reading after that same time.

The chart here might help you, it certainly helped me:
http://www.diabetes.co.uk/what-is-hba1c.html

Thanks so much, Hergen!

Also... thanks for your other posts here. I have been following along. You are an interesting guy with a great sense of humor. Carry on!

 

[CraigDT]

The hBA1c measures a true average of your blood glucose over the last couple of months because your red blood cells are effectively sampling your glucose levels all the time. If you test before meals when your blood sugar is likely to be at its lowest then the average of those numbers might be a little different to your hBA1c. I imagine it will be a reasonable approximation though.

 

[MikeZ]

Thanks CraigDT,

I vary my testing. Every morning before I eat or drink anything. And then sometimes during the day but always two hours after eating for my day time tests. I've also taken readings after exercising a couple of times which resulted in some sort of scary low numbers.

Thanks again.

 

[msmi1970]

Hi Mike.

I'm no expert but I also read somewhere that the last 2 weeks before the test has a stronger bearing on the result.
A1C is a good indicator of where your sugar levels trend is heading but it's also a funny thing ..

I am keto adapted and my fasting blood sugars in the morning are way higher than my A1C.
Also, I went off the rails in terms of my protein consumption in the last 6 weeks & my blood sugars were consistently higher than previously & yet my A1C actually dropped when tested a couple of days ago...go figure.

Anyway so long as you continue to eat well & exercise, A1C will continue to drop.

Good Luck!!

Mo

 

[Robbity]

I did an HbA1c check using my average bg levels for the last three months just before i had my blood test. It was a reasonable prediction: my average of 6.9 from the last 90 days gave me a result of 41.5 and my HbA1c test results came in at 41.

There's one big difference though between what your your HbA1c and your regular meter readings tell you - the HbA1c gives you an average of your levels over the last 3 months or so, but your regular tests over the same period will show whether you have reasonably steady levels or major ups and downs. You can get the same average result the good way or the bad way... So although the one may reflect the other as an average, as far as I'm concerned my meter readings a far more useful guide for me as it is more more vital information for me about how I'm actually doing. The HbA1c is a sop to the medics.