How to Use This Calculator
Step 1: Calculate Your Average Glucose
Collect Your Readings
Gather at least 2 weeks of blood sugar readings (more is better)
Add Them Up
Use a calculator to add all your glucose readings together
Find the Average
Divide the total by how many readings you have
Step 2: Enter and Calculate
Enter Average Glucose
Type your average glucose number in mg/dL (40-500)
Get Your Results
See your estimated HbA1c and what it means for your health
Example
If your readings are 120, 140, 130, 150: (120+140+130+150) ÷ 4 = 140 mg/dL
How the Calculator Works
The Science Made Simple
What is HbA1c?
It's a test that shows your average blood sugar over 2-3 months. Think of it like a report card for your blood sugar control.
How We Calculate It
We use a formula from a big research study (ADAG study) that doctors trust. It connects your daily glucose numbers to HbA1c.
Why It Matters
HbA1c helps you and your doctor see if your diabetes plan is working or needs changes.
Understanding Your Results
Normal (Below 5.7%)
Your blood sugar is healthy. Keep doing what you're doing!
Prediabetes (5.7% - 6.4%)
Warning zone. You can still prevent diabetes with lifestyle changes.
Diabetes (6.5% or higher)
Work closely with your doctor to manage blood sugar and stay healthy.
The Formula We Use
HbA1c (%) = (Average Glucose + 46.7) ÷ 28.7
This formula comes from the ADAG (A1c-Derived Average Glucose) study
Understanding Blood Sugar and HbA1c
What is Blood Glucose?
Blood glucose (blood sugar) is the main sugar in your blood that gives your body energy. It comes from the food you eat, especially carbs like bread, rice, and fruit.
Normal Ranges:
- Fasting (before eating): 70-100 mg/dL
- After meals: Less than 140 mg/dL
- Bedtime: 100-140 mg/dL
Why Track Both?
Daily glucose readings show you what's happening right now. HbA1c shows the big picture over months. Together, they help you understand your health better.
Benefits of Tracking:
- • Catch problems early
- • See if your plan is working
- • Learn what foods affect you most
- • Stay motivated to stay healthy
Risk Factors for High Blood Sugar
Understanding what raises your blood sugar risk helps you make better choices
Things You Can Control
You have power over these factors:
- Eating too many sugary foods and drinks
- Not exercising enough
- Being overweight
- Not getting enough sleep
- High stress levels
Things You Can't Control
Be aware of these risk factors:
- Family history of diabetes
- Age (risk goes up as you get older)
- Certain ethnic backgrounds
- Having PCOS or gestational diabetes
Lifestyle Changes to Improve Blood Sugar
Smart Eating Habits
Eat Balanced Meals
Fill half your plate with veggies, a quarter with protein (like chicken or beans), and a quarter with whole grains (like brown rice)
Choose Better Carbs
Pick whole wheat bread over white bread, and fresh fruit over fruit juice
Watch Portion Sizes
Use smaller plates and don't go back for seconds right away
Drink More Water
Replace soda and juice with water or unsweetened drinks
Stay Active
Move Every Day
Aim for 30-60 minutes of activity - walking, dancing, sports, or anything you enjoy
Take Breaks from Sitting
Stand up and move around every hour, especially if you're gaming or studying
Sleep Well
Get 8-10 hours of sleep each night - it helps control blood sugar
Manage Stress
Try deep breathing, talking to friends, or hobbies you love
How to Get Accurate Readings
Testing Tips
- Wash your hands with soap before testing (no hand sanitizer - it can mess up readings)
- Use a new lancet (finger poker) each time for less pain
- Test on the side of your fingertip, not the pad - it hurts less
- Check that your test strips aren't expired
When to Test
- First thing in the morning (before eating)
- Before meals
- 2 hours after meals (to see how food affects you)
- Before bed
- Before and after exercise
Keep a Log
Write down your readings with the date and time. Note what you ate, how you felt, and if you exercised. This helps you and your doctor spot patterns.
Good Apps to Try:
- • MySugr
- • Glucose Buddy
- • mySugr
- • Or use a paper notebook
What to Track:
- • Blood sugar number
- • Date and time
- • What you ate
- • Activity/exercise
- • How you feel
Understanding HbA1c Ranges
Normal
Below 5.7%Your blood sugar is healthy and normal
Average glucose: Below 117 mg/dL (6.5 mmol/L)
Prediabetes
5.7% - 6.4%Higher than normal but not diabetes yet - you can reverse this!
Average glucose: 117-137 mg/dL (6.5-7.6 mmol/L)
Diabetes - Good Control
6.5% - 7.0%Diabetes diagnosis range - but you're managing it well
Average glucose: 140-154 mg/dL (7.8-8.6 mmol/L)
Diabetes - Needs Improvement
7.0% - 9.0%Blood sugar needs better control - talk to your doctor
Average glucose: 154-212 mg/dL (8.6-11.8 mmol/L)
Diabetes - Poor Control
Above 9.0%Blood sugar is too high - see your doctor soon
Average glucose: Above 212 mg/dL (11.8 mmol/L)
Why These Numbers Matter
The higher your HbA1c stays over time, the higher your risk for health problems like:
- Eye problems
- Kidney problems
- Nerve damage
- Heart disease
Good news: Keeping your HbA1c in target range greatly reduces these risks!
When to Seek Emergency Care
Call 911 or go to the emergency room RIGHT NOW if you have:
🚨 Emergency Signs - Act Fast!
- Blood sugar above 400 mg/dL
- Can't keep down food or water (vomiting)
- Trouble breathing or breathing fast
- Very confused or can't think clearly
- Fruity smell on breath (like nail polish remover)
- Severe stomach pain
- Passed out or can't wake up
- Having a seizure
⚠️ Call Your Doctor Today If:
- Blood sugar over 300 mg/dL multiple times
- Blood sugar under 70 mg/dL often
- Feeling sick for more than 24 hours
- Your numbers are all over the place
- Not sure what to do about your diabetes
💡 Be Prepared
- Know the emergency signs and tell your family/friends
- Wear a medical ID bracelet that says you have diabetes
- Keep your doctor's phone number in your phone
- Always carry glucose tablets or juice for low blood sugar