What is the difference between eAG and the average on my monitor?  

The A1C test gives you a picture of your average blood glucose (blood sugar) control for the past two to three months. The results give you and your diabetes care team a good idea of how well your diabetes treatment plan is working.

In some ways, the A1C test is like a baseball player's season batting average: it tells you about a person's overall success. Neither a single day's blood test results nor a single game's batting record gives the same big picture.

The A1C test can help you manage your diabetes by:

• Confirming self-testing results or blood test results by the doctor.
• Judging whether a treatment plan is working.
• Showing you how healthy choices can make a difference in diabetes control.

Your health care provider may report your A1C test result as eAG, or "average glucose," which directly correlates to your A1C. eAG may help you understand your A1C value because eAG is reported as the same unit (mg/dL) that you see through self-monitoring on your meter or continuous glucose monitor (CGM).

The difference between eAG/A1C and the average on your monitor

The catch is that eAG/A1C is not the same average glucose level as the average of the readings on your meter.

Monitoring measures your blood glucose at a moment in time, whereas eAG/A1C represent an average of your glucose levels 24 hours a day, including times when people are less likely to check their blood sugar (for example, post-meal periods of higher blood sugar).

People with diabetes are also more likely to check their blood glucose more often when they are low (for example, first thing in the morning and before meals), so the average of readings on their meter is likely to be lower than their eAG.

So, how does A1C work?

Hemoglobin, a protein that links up with glucose, is found inside red blood cells. Its job is to carry oxygen from the lungs to all the cells of the body. Glucose enters your red blood cells and links up (or glycates) with molecules of hemoglobin. The more glucose in your blood, the more hemoglobin gets glycated. By measuring the percentage of A1C in the blood, you get an overview of your average blood glucose control for the past few months. Your doctor should measure your A1C level at least twice a year.

What’s your number?

The American Diabetes Association suggests an A1C of 7 percent for nonpregnant adults, which is an eAG of 154 mg/dl, but more or less stringent glycemic goals may be appropriate for each individual.

Your A1C target is your own

You are unique and you need advice based on your own set of circumstances. If someone who hears your A1C says, “Your A1C level should be x, y, or z.” Your response can be: “I am working with my doctor on reaching my own safe diabetes target, and it has been customized for my condition.” 

A1C targets often change over time, sometimes decreasing and sometimes increasing. It all depends on the person and circumstances. Don’t compare yourself or your child to others. Know your goals and be clear, persistent and honest in your approach to managing diabetes. 

Your diabetes care team is here to help

Never avoid going to see your health care team because you feel like a “failure” or are afraid of disappointing them. The members of your diabetes care team are your coaches. They understand there are multiple life challenges that influence diabetes each day and night. Life is always changing, and you/your child will need support along the way. This is all part of the process of living with diabetes.