Health tool
HbA1c to Average Blood Sugar Converter
Translate an HbA1c percentage into the average blood sugar it represents — in both directions.
What HbA1c actually measures
HbA1c is the proportion of haemoglobin that has glucose attached to it. Because red blood cells live around three months, it reflects your average glucose over roughly that period — which is why it cannot be improved by eating carefully for two days before the test.
| HbA1c | Average glucose | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| 5.0% | 97 mg/dL | Normal range. |
| 5.7% | 117 mg/dL | Prediabetes range — worth acting on now. |
| 6.5% | 140 mg/dL | Diabetes range, at or near the usual treatment target. |
| 7.0% | 154 mg/dL | Diabetes range, above target for most adults. |
| 8.0% | 183 mg/dL | Diabetes range, above target for most adults. |
| 9.0% | 212 mg/dL | Substantially above target. Prompt medical review is advised. |
| 10.0% | 240 mg/dL | Substantially above target. Prompt medical review is advised. |
HbA1c can be misleading in anaemia, after a blood transfusion, in chronic kidney disease, in pregnancy and in some haemoglobin variants. In those situations your doctor will rely more on direct glucose readings or continuous monitoring.
Want these numbers interpreted properly?
A calculator gives a number; a consultation gives context. Dr. Brijmohan Arora consults at Palam Extension, Sector 7, Dwarka, New Delhi. Mon–Sat · 11 AM–2 PM & 4–8 PM.