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What's the Difference Between A1c & Blood Glucose Levels?

This content has been medically reviewed by Akhil Shenoy.

Using CGM to check blood glucose levels

Key Takeaways:

  • A hemoglobin A1c (A1c) test provides a 3 month  blood glucose average, which is useful to help diagnose and monitor diabetes in the long term. 
  • Blood glucose measurements show blood sugar levels at specific instantaneous points in time, helping you make decisions about your diet and treatment in the short term.
  • Both A1c tests and blood glucose measurements are essential for effective diabetes management, offering complementary insights into your health.

Managing diabetes can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when trying to understand the different ways to monitor blood sugar levels.

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Two key tests that play an important role in diagnosing and managing diabetes are Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c or A1c) and blood glucose (or sugar) measurements. Use this article to better understand the differences between the tests.

What Is the Difference Between A1c & Blood Glucose Levels?

A1C Levels

  • Average blood sugar is measured over a period of time (3 months). 
  • Test is performed as a blood test at a healthcare provider’s office. 
  • Used to monitor long-term blood sugar control. 
  • Used to diagnose prediabetes or diabetes. 

Blood Glucose Measurements

  • Blood sugar levels are measured in real-time. 
  • Blood glucose levels are checked at home using a blood glucose meter or are estimated by a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). 
  • Used to diagnose prediabetes or diabetes. 

Which Test Is More Important: Hemoglobin A1c or Blood Glucose Measurements?

Both Hemoglobin A1c and blood glucose measurements provide important information for managing diabetes, but they serve different purposes.

  1. Hemoglobin A1c: This test gives you an average of your blood sugar levels over the past 3 months. It's great for assessing long-term blood sugar control and helps you and your healthcare provider understand how well your overall management plan is working.
  2. Blood Glucose Levels: These are measurements taken at specific times, showing your current blood sugar levels in real-time. Monitoring blood glucose can help you make day-to-day decisions about food, exercise, and medication.
Doctor checking A1c levelsDoctor checking A1c levels

Both tests are important, and together they offer a complete picture of your health. Discuss with your healthcare provider how to use both measurements effectively in your diabetes care plan.

What Is Normal Glucose Control?

Typically, an A1c below 5.7% is considered normal, while levels from 5.7% to 6.4% suggest prediabetes. An A1c of 6.5% or higher indicates diabetes. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, you and your provider will determine an A1c goal based on multiple factors. For most people, a good goal is an A1c of 7% or less. Refer to the chart below, courtesy of the American Diabetes Association, to help better understand A1c test results.

A1C Levels ChartA1C Levels Chart

How Are CGMs Used to Measure Glucose Levels?

CGM provides a measurement of glucose levels in the fluid around fat tissue, which correlates with blood glucose measurements. Real-time updates occur every 1-5 minutes, providing over 1,000 readings a day!

Many users find that having more data helps them make better decisions about their diet and treatment, potentially leading to improved blood glucose control. If you or your healthcare provider feel you’d be a good fit for a CGM, find out if you qualify for one through Aeroflow Diabetes.

How Can Aeroflow Diabetes Help Me Manage My Blood Glucose Levels with a CGM?

Unboxing Freestyle Libre 3 SystemUnboxing Freestyle Libre 3 System

If you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, you may be eligible for a low-cost CGM  through your insurance plan, making it easier to continuously measure and manage your blood glucose levels, for better health, and a better peace of mind!

To check your eligibility for a CGM, fill out our simple Eligibility Form! It takes less than 2 minutes to complete, and we ensure your information is kept private. It’s a quick process that saves you the hassle of paperwork, and saves on cost.

If you qualify, we’ll reach out to your healthcare provider for a prescription. Then, we’ll guide you on which CGMs are covered by your insurance and ship your order straight to you.

Why You'll Love Working With Aeroflow Diabetes

Dr. Akhil Shenoy

Dr. Akhil Shenoy is a Medical Advisor for Aeroflow Diabetes. Dr. Varughese is board-certified in internal medicine and endocrinology, with special interest in treating Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, thyroid nodules, and thyroid cancers. He is dedicated to empowering patients to live healthy lives by prescribing patient-centered solutions and educating them about their own medical conditions. He currently practices endocrinology in Wellspire’s Memorial City and Humble locations.

About the Author

Julia Dietrich is the Marketing Coordinator at Aeroflow Diabetes. A graduate of Kean University with a Bachelor’s degree in Advertising, Julia has contributed to many marketing campaigns across different industries and understands well how important diabetes prevention, management, and education are for overall health and wellness.

Outside of her work, Julia enjoys photography, cooking, and spending time with family. Her background in marketing and dedication to patient advocacy and wellness, coincide with her commitment to educate and promote diabetes management.

Resources

Cleveland Clinic. “A1C: What It Is, Test, Levels & Chart.” Cleveland Clinic, 22 Nov. 2022, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/9731-a1c.

American Diabetes Association. “Understanding A1C.” Diabetes.org, 2023, diabetes.org/about-diabetes/a1c.

Images courtesy of American Diabetes Association

Aeroflow Diabetes Disclaimer

Information provided on the Aeroflow Diabetes website is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or care from a healthcare professional. Aeroflow recommends consulting your healthcare provider if you are experiencing medical issues relating to diabetes care.

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