A1C Value Corresponding to Average Blood Sugar of 104 mg/dL
An average blood sugar of 104 mg/dL corresponds to an A1C of approximately 5.2%. 1
Correlation Between A1C and Average Blood Glucose
- The relationship between A1C and average blood glucose is based on the international A1C-Derived Average Glucose (ADAG) study, which showed a strong correlation (r = 0.92) between these measurements 2
- According to the American Diabetes Association's Standards of Medical Care, an A1C of 5% corresponds to an estimated average glucose (eAG) of 97 mg/dL (range 76-120 mg/dL) 2, 1
- An A1C of 6% corresponds to an eAG of 126 mg/dL (range 100-152 mg/dL) 2, 1
- Since 104 mg/dL falls between 97 mg/dL (A1C 5%) and 126 mg/dL (A1C 6%), the corresponding A1C would be approximately 5.2% 1
Clinical Interpretation of This Value
- An A1C of 5.2% is within the normal range (below 5.7%), indicating no diabetes or prediabetes 2, 1
- For reference, prediabetes is defined as A1C between 5.7-6.4% 2, 1
- Diabetes is diagnosed when A1C is ≥6.5% 2
Factors That May Affect A1C Interpretation
- Conditions affecting red blood cell turnover (hemolytic anemia, recent blood transfusion, etc.) may cause discrepancies between A1C and true mean glycemia 2
- Hemoglobin variants must be considered when A1C does not correlate with blood glucose monitoring levels 2
- Racial/ethnic differences may exist in the relationship between A1C and average glucose, with some studies showing higher A1C values in African Americans compared to non-Hispanic whites for the same mean glucose concentration 2
Practical Application
- Understanding the correlation between average blood glucose and A1C helps patients and providers better interpret glycemic control 3
- While random blood glucose and estimated average glucose (eAG) derived from A1C show strong correlation in diabetic populations, they cannot be used interchangeably 4
- For monitoring purposes, both A1C and blood glucose measurements provide complementary information about glycemic control 2