eAG, or estimated average glucose, is an estimation of your average blood sugar (glucose) levels over a period of approximately 2 to 3 months. It's calculated based on the results of your A1C blood test (also called hemoglobin A1c or HbA1c).
Understanding eAG
The A1C test measures the percentage of your red blood cells that have glucose attached to them. Because red blood cells live for about three months, the A1C test gives an average of your blood sugar levels over that period. eAG takes this A1C percentage and translates it into an average glucose reading that you would typically see on a glucose meter. This makes it easier to understand your blood sugar control because it provides a familiar, everyday value.
eAG vs. A1C
While both eAG and A1C provide information about your average blood sugar levels, they are presented in different formats:
- A1C: Expressed as a percentage.
- eAG: Expressed in the same units as your blood glucose meter (mg/dL or mmol/L).
Think of it this way: A1C is like a foreign currency, while eAG is the conversion to your local currency, making it easier to understand.
Why is eAG Important?
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Better Understanding: eAG helps you understand your A1C result by translating it into a number that is similar to what you see on your daily glucose meter readings.
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Monitoring Diabetes Management: eAG allows you and your doctor to monitor how well your diabetes treatment plan is working over time.
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Setting Goals: You can use eAG as a target to aim for, along with your regular blood glucose checks, to improve your overall diabetes control.
Converting A1C to eAG
The A1C result can be converted to eAG using a formula:
- eAG (mg/dL) = (28.7 x A1C) - 46.7
- eAG (mmol/L) = (1.59 x A1C) - 2.59
For example, an A1C of 7% translates to an eAG of approximately 154 mg/dL (or 8.5 mmol/L).
In Conclusion
eAG is a valuable tool for individuals with diabetes. By translating the A1C test result into a more familiar glucose value, it helps improve understanding and promotes better diabetes management. Consult your doctor to understand your eAG and set appropriate targets for optimal health.
