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Know Your Blood Sugar Level

There's a relationship between the blood sugar spikes that happen when you eat and your HbA1c. (What is HbA1c?) Controlling your blood sugar level over time can help you lower your HbA1c.


Recommended Goals1

  Fasting plasma glucose (FPG)

  Less than 126 mg/dl

  Postmeal plasma glucose (PPG)

  Less than 180 mg/dl

  HbA1c(%)

  Less than or equal to 7%

Consistently meeting these blood sugar goals will translate into a healthy HbA1c under 7%. It is possible to estimate HbA1c values based on the average of daily blood sugar measurements if they are representative of the average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months.


Calculating HbA1c

Let's look at an example of blood sugar levels and HbA1c in a typical patient with type 2 diabetes.

Name: Paul

Age: 45

Diagnosis: Two years ago

Treatment plan:

  • Exercise at least three times a week.
  • Closely watch diet and test blood sugar level regularly.
  • Take diabetes medications prescribed by doctor.

Since Paul was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, he has tried to control his disease through diet, exercise and medication. Paul tests his blood sugar before each meal, 2 hours after each meal and/or before bedtime to monitor his progress.

Find out how Paul is doing with this HbA1c calculator. Use the drop-down menus below to select blood sugar readings for him.

HbA1c is a reflection of blood sugar levels for the past 2-3 months. Entries should represent readings before each meal, 2 hours after each meal and before bedtime to get an accurate estimate.
DAY SUN
 MON TUES WED THUR FRI SAT
 WHEN BEFORE LUNCH BEDTIME 2 HOURS AFTER DINNER BEFORE BREAKFAST BEFORE LUNCH BEFORE DINNER 2 HOURS AFTER BREAKFAST
 READING 



Note: The HbA1c calculator is a tool designed for educational purposes only. It is not intended to substitute for actual HbA1c testing by a doctor. Always consult your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional with any questions regarding your diabetes management and treatment plan, including your daily blood sugar and HbA1c goals.


Relationship between HbA1c and glucose levels

Relationship Between HbA1c and Glucose Levels1, 2
  Mean blood glucose Mean plasma glucose*
HBA1c (%) mg/dl mg/dl
6 124 135
7 156 170
8 188 205
9 219 240
10 251 275
11 283 210
12 314 345

* Plasma glucose is calculated by adding 11% to mean blood glucose estimates.

Learn more about type 2 diabetes and controlling your blood sugar:

 
See full prescribing information
 

References:
1. "Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes." Diabetes Care. 27(1)2004:
S15-S-35.

2. Rohlfing C, et al. "Defining the Relationships between Plasma Glucose and HbA1c." Diabetes Care. 25(2)2002: 275-278.


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