The Ultimate A1C Chart: Convert Your A1C to a Blood Sugar Level Understanding your A1C level is crucial for managing diabetes and maintaining good hea...
The Ultimate A1C Chart: Convert Your A1C to a Blood Sugar Level
Understanding your A1C level is crucial for managing diabetes and maintaining good health. This article provides a comprehensive A1C chart to easily convert your A1C to an estimated average glucose (eAG) blood sugar level. We’ll delve into what A1C is, why it's important, how to interpret the results, and what actions you can take to improve your health based on your A1C values.
What is A1C and Why Is It Important?
The A1C test, also known as hemoglobin A1c, glycated hemoglobin, or HbA1c, provides a snapshot of your average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. Unlike a regular blood sugar test that shows your glucose level at a single moment, A1C offers a more complete picture of your blood sugar control over time.
Here's why A1C is so important:
- Long-Term Glucose Control: It reflects how well your blood sugar has been controlled over several weeks.
- Diabetes Diagnosis: A1C is a key test used to diagnose prediabetes and diabetes.
- Treatment Monitoring: It helps doctors and patients monitor the effectiveness of diabetes treatment plans.
- Risk Assessment: High A1C levels are associated with increased risk of long-term diabetes complications like heart disease, kidney disease, and nerve damage.
Understanding the A1C Chart
The following chart translates A1C percentages to estimated average glucose (eAG) levels in mg/dL and mmol/L. This conversion helps you understand your average blood sugar over the past 2-3 months. Remember that these are estimated averages; individual results may vary.
A1C (%) | Estimated Average Glucose (eAG) (mg/dL) | Estimated Average Glucose (eAG) (mmol/L) |
---|---|---|
5.7 | 117 | 6.5 |
6.0 | 126 | 7.0 |
6.5 | 140 | 7.8 |
7.0 | 154 | 8.6 |
7.5 | 169 | 9.4 |
8.0 | 183 | 10.2 |
8.5 | 197 | 10.9 |
9.0 | 212 | 11.8 |
9.5 | 226 | 12.6 |
10.0 | 240 | 13.3 |
10.5 | 255 | 14.2 |
11.0 | 269 | 14.9 |
11.5 | 283 | 15.7 |
12.0 | 298 | 16.5 |
Interpreting Your A1C Results
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) provides the following guidelines for interpreting A1C results:
- Normal: Below 5.7%
- Prediabetes: 5.7% to 6.4%
- Diabetes: 6.5% or higher
For individuals with diabetes, the target A1C is typically less than 7%, but this goal can vary based on individual factors such as age, overall health, and diabetes management plan. Always discuss your target A1C with your healthcare provider.

Factors That Can Affect A1C Accuracy
While the A1C test is a reliable measure of average blood sugar, certain conditions can affect its accuracy:
- Anemia: Iron deficiency anemia can falsely elevate A1C.
- Hemoglobinopathies: Conditions like sickle cell anemia can affect A1C results.
- Kidney Disease: Chronic kidney disease can interfere with A1C levels.
- Pregnancy: A1C levels may be lower during pregnancy.
If you have any of these conditions, talk to your doctor about alternative methods for monitoring your blood sugar.
Related reading: Decoding Your Results What Is A Normal Fasting Blood Sugar Level
Actionable Steps to Improve Your A1C
If your A1C is above your target range, here are some steps you can take to improve it:
Related reading: How To Lower Blood Sugar Naturally 15 Science Backed Strategies
- Dietary Changes: Focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains. Limit processed foods, sugary drinks, and saturated fats. Consult with a registered dietitian for personalized meal planning.
- Regular Exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. Activities like brisk walking, cycling, and swimming can help lower blood sugar levels.
- Medication Adherence: If you are prescribed medication for diabetes, take it as directed by your doctor. Do not skip doses or alter the dosage without consulting your healthcare provider.
- Blood Sugar Monitoring: Regularly check your blood sugar levels using a glucose meter. This helps you understand how your body responds to food, exercise, and medication.
- Stress Management: High stress levels can raise blood sugar. Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, yoga, or meditation.
- Regular Check-ups: Schedule regular appointments with your doctor and other healthcare professionals (e.g., certified diabetes educator) to monitor your diabetes and adjust your treatment plan as needed.
Working with Your Healthcare Team
Managing your A1C effectively requires a collaborative effort between you and your healthcare team. This includes your doctor, certified diabetes educator (CDE), registered dietitian (RD), and other specialists as needed.
Your healthcare team can help you:
- Set realistic A1C goals.
- Develop a personalized diabetes management plan.
- Provide education and support on diet, exercise, and medication.
- Monitor your progress and make adjustments to your treatment plan as needed.
The Importance of Ongoing Monitoring
Monitoring your A1C is a continuous process. Even if you achieve your target A1C, it’s essential to maintain healthy habits and continue to monitor your blood sugar regularly. Your healthcare provider will typically recommend an A1C test every 3-6 months to track your progress and ensure that your diabetes is well-controlled.
Conclusion
Related reading: Why Is My Fasting Blood Sugar High In The Morning 5 Common Reasons
Understanding your A1C and its corresponding blood sugar level is vital for effective diabetes management. Use the A1C chart provided in this article as a tool to understand your average glucose levels. Remember to consult with your healthcare team to develop a personalized plan that helps you achieve your target A1C and maintain good health. By making lifestyle changes and consistently monitoring your blood sugar, you can significantly reduce the risk of diabetes complications and live a healthier life. Properly managing your blood sugar levels is key for a better future.