Hemoglobin is the substance in red blood cells that carries oxygen to the cells. Glucose (sugar) attaches to the hemoglobin. Because the glucose stays attached for the life of the cell (about 3 months), a test to measure hemoglobin A1C (abbreviated as HgbA1C) shows what the persons’ average blood glucose was for that past 3 months.

It is important to note that HgbA1C levels are measured in different units and on a different scale compared with blood glucose measurements; hence HgbA1C level of seven is NOT the same as saying that the average blood glucose is seven.

How does HgbA1C compare with Average Blood Sugars?

• 5% - 97 mg/dl
• 6% - 126 mg/dl
• 7% - 154 mg/dl
• 8% - 183 mg/dl
• 9% - 212 mg/dl
• 10% - 240 mg/dl
• 11% - 269 mg/dl
• 12% - 298 mg/dl

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