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Estimated Average Glucose (eAG) Calculator

Convert your HbA1c to average blood glucose β€” understand what your A1c means in everyday terms

Based on peer-reviewed researchΒ·See the evidence β†’

HbA1c to Daily Glucose

Your HbA1c reflects average blood glucose over 2-3 months (the lifespan of red blood cells). The eAG conversion, developed from the ADAG Study, translates this percentage into familiar glucose units, making it easier to connect lab values with daily monitoring.

Estimated Average Glucose (eAG) converts your HbA1c percentage into an estimated average blood glucose level. The formula, derived from the landmark ADAG (A1c-Derived Average Glucose) Study, provides a direct translation:

eAG (mg/dL) = 28.7 Γ— HbA1c βˆ’ 46.7

The ADAG study followed 507 participants for 3 months, comparing continuous glucose monitoring data with HbA1c levels. This established a reliable mathematical relationship allowing patients and clinicians to discuss glucose control in more intuitive terms.

Unlike a single fasting glucose reading, eAG represents the average of all glucose levels β€” including post-meal spikes, overnight dips, and daily variations β€” providing a comprehensive picture of overall glucose management.

**Primary use cases:** β€’ Anyone with diabetes monitoring HbA1c β€’ People with prediabetes tracking progression β€’ Those using continuous glucose monitors wanting to compare with A1c β€’ Healthcare providers explaining glucose targets to patients **Clinical utility:** β€’ Bridges the gap between lab values and daily glucose readings β€’ Helps set meaningful glucose targets β€’ Facilitates patient education about A1c meaning β€’ Useful for adjusting diabetes management strategies
**Dietary strategies:** β€’ Reduce refined carbohydrates and added sugars β€’ Increase fiber intake (slows glucose absorption) β€’ Practice portion control, especially with starches β€’ Consider time-restricted eating or meal timing **Lifestyle modifications:** β€’ Regular physical activity (both aerobic and resistance) β€’ Achieve and maintain healthy body weight β€’ Prioritize quality sleep (7-9 hours) β€’ Manage stress (cortisol raises blood sugar) **Monitoring and medication:** β€’ Check post-meal glucose to identify problem foods β€’ Work with healthcare provider on medication optimization β€’ Consider continuous glucose monitoring for insights β€’ Track trends over time, not just single readings

eAG Interpretation

eAG interpretation aligns with HbA1c targets. Different health contexts may have different optimal ranges:

ADA diagnostic criteria for diabetes and prediabetes

Standard Medical

RangeCategoryWhat It Means
< 117 mg/dLNormalA1c <5.7% β€” Normal glucose metabolism
117–137 mg/dLPrediabetesA1c 5.7–6.4% β€” Elevated risk, lifestyle intervention recommended
> 140 mg/dLDiabetesA1c β‰₯6.5% β€” Diabetes diagnosis threshold

Targets from large-scale epidemiological studies for prevention

Research Consensus

RangeCategoryWhat It Means
< 100 mg/dLOptimalA1c <5.1% β€” Excellent metabolic health, minimal insulin demand
100–111 mg/dLGoodA1c 5.1–5.5% β€” Good control, room for optimization
> 111 mg/dLElevatedA1c >5.5% β€” Early metabolic dysfunction even if "normal" by standards

Expected values with carbohydrate restriction (may see lower A1c)

Metabolic Optimization

RangeCategoryWhat It Means
< 90 mg/dLExcellentA1c <4.8% β€” Common with strict low-carb, excellent glucose stability
90–100 mg/dLExpectedA1c 4.8–5.1% β€” Typical well-adapted low-carb range
> 100 mg/dLInvestigateA1c >5.1% β€” Higher than expected on strict keto, check compliance or other factors

Learn more about adaptive glucose sparing and glucose metabolism

Track Your Glucose Trends

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Frequently Asked Questions

eAG translates the abstract HbA1c percentage into glucose units you use daily. An A1c of 7% sounds abstract, but knowing it corresponds to ~154 mg/dL average glucose connects lab values to your daily monitoring. This makes it easier to understand targets and discuss management with your healthcare team.

  1. Nathan DM, Kuenen J, Borg R, Zheng H, Schoenfeld D, Heine RJ; A1c-Derived Average Glucose Study Group. Translating the A1C assay into estimated average glucose values. Diabetes Care. 31(8):1473-1478. 2008. PMID: 18540046
  2. American Diabetes Association. Standards of Medical Care in Diabetesβ€”2024. Diabetes Care. 47(Suppl 1):S1-S321. 2024. PMID: 38078586
  3. Sacks DB, Arnold M, Bakris GL, et al. Guidelines and recommendations for laboratory analysis in the diagnosis and management of diabetes mellitus. Diabetes Care. 46(10):e151-e199. 2023. PMID: 37471273
Showing 3 of 4View all references

Medical Disclaimer

The eAG (Estimated Average Glucose) calculator provided on Metabolicum is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

Last updated: December 2025