What is the HbA1c value?

The blood sugar memory

The average blood glucose value of the last weeks

An important laboratory value in the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes is the HbA1c value. It shows how well the blood sugar level was adjusted in the last few weeks and is therefore also called "long-term blood sugar" or "blood sugar memory". An HbA1c Analyzer in a handy small format enables quick and easy HbA1c measurement in doctor's offices, pharmacies and medical facilities.

Blood sugar levels in the body fluctuate at short notice throughout the day, which is exactly the same for people with or without diabetes. These fluctuations result from the amount and structure of sugar/carbohydrates in the diet, and also from the duration and intensity of exercise or stress. The measured blood sugar value is therefore always only a snapshot.

The HbA1c value is a long-term value and is therefore hardly affected by current fluctuations. It reflects the long-term blood glucose curve of the last few weeks and is therefore an orientation guide for individual blood glucose settings. A healthy lifestyle can lower the HbA1c value, which indicates a good metabolic situation.

Normally it is 4-6% and is directly dependent on blood sugar. With the HbA1c value, a statement can be made about the blood sugar level of the last 8 to 12 weeks. For an optimal therapy the HbA1c should always be below 7% to prevent possible consequential damage.

HbA1c equation:
Average blood sugar [mg/dl] = 33.3 x HbA1c [%] - 86

Since 1 April 2008, the HbA1c value is now (also) given in mmol/mol.
The conversion formula is: HbA1c [mmol/mol] = (HbA1c [%] - 2.15) x 10.929

Table of conversion