Estimated average blood glucose is a measure of the average amount of glucose in the blood in the period of 2 to 3 months before the exam and is calculated based on the results of the glycated hemoglobin measurement, which indicates how glucose levels were controlled during this period. .
Although this measurement can be used to monitor the amount of glucose in the blood and is easier for people to understand, there are no specific reference values for estimated average blood glucose, however values above 126 mg/dL are normally considered high.
Therefore, it is important to consult an endocrinologist for an adequate assessment and guidance on the estimated average blood glucose result.
What is it for
The estimated average blood glucose measurement serves to monitor the amount of glucose in the blood, indicating how the person’s blood glucose control was in the last 2 to 3 months. Additionally, it may be useful in monitoring the development of diabetes and for evaluating response to treatment.
How is it measured
The estimated average glycemia can be measured based on the results of the glycated hemoglobin measurement in the blood by checking the table that lists both values:
Another alternative is to calculate the estimated average blood glucose level, which can be obtained by multiplying the value of the glycated hemoglobin result by 28.7 and then subtracting 46.7 from the result, according to the formula: eAG (mg/dL) = 28.7 × A1C(%) – 46.7. In this case, A1C is the value of glycated hemoglobin in % and eAG is the estimated average blood glucose in mg/dL. Understand better what glycated hemoglobin is and what it is for.
Reference value
Normal estimated mean blood glucose values generally range from 68 to 126 mg/dL and are based on glycated hemoglobin reference values. However, there is no specific cutoff point and these values may vary according to the goal for blood glucose control guided by the doctor.
How to know if your glucose is normal
To find out if your glucose is normal, select the glucose test performed and enter your result in the calculator below:
What does the result mean
Estimated average blood glucose values above 126 mg/dL generally show that blood glucose was frequently elevated in the period of 2 to 3 months before the test, which may indicate a greater risk of diabetes or poor blood glucose control during the period.
Therefore, it is important to consult an endocrinologist for evaluation and guidance regarding the test results.
Bibliography
- DIABETES CARE. 6. Glycemic Targets: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes—2022. 2022. Disponível em: <https://diabetesjournals.org/care/article/45/Supplement_1/S3/138918/Professional-Practice-Committee-Standards-of>. Acesso em 11 ago 2022
- DIABETES CARE. 2. Classification and Diagnosis of Diabetes: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes—2022. 2022. Disponível em: <https://diabetesjournals.org/care/article/45/Supplement_1/S17/138925/2-Classification-and-Diagnosis-of-Diabetes>. Acesso em 11 ago 2022
- WANG, Dandan; CHEN, Yu. Usefulness of estimated average glucose (eAG) in glycemic control and cardiovascular risk reduction. Clinical Biochemistry. Vol.84. 45-50, 2020
- NKOANA, M. K; KHINE, AA Correlation between self-monitored mean blood glucose and average plasma glucose estimated from glycated haemoglobin in patients attending the diabetes clinic at Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital, Pretoria, South Africa. S Afr With J. Vol. 29, n.110. 416-421, 2020
- AMERICAN DIABETES ASSOCIATION. eAG/A1C Conversion Calculator. Available at: <https://professional.diabetes.org/diapro/glucose_calc>. Accessed on Aug 11, 2022
- CLEVELAND CLINIC LABORATORIES. Estimated Average Glucose (eAG). 2011. Available at: <http://portals.clevelandclinic.org/portals/66/PDF/TechBriefs/TB_eAGTechBrief.pdf>. Accessed on Aug 11, 2022
