Convert between HbA1c (%) and estimated average glucose (mg/dL & mmol/L) using the ADAG study formula. Assess glycemic control, understand diabetes risk categories, and visualize your results on an interactive A1C scale. Trusted by clinicians, educators, and patients worldwide.
HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin) reflects your average blood glucose levels over the past 2–3 months. The estimated average glucose (eAG) translates the A1C percentage into daily glucose units (mg/dL or mmol/L), making it easier for patients to correlate with routine self‑monitoring. The conversion is based on the international ADAG study (Nathan et al., 2008) and endorsed by the American Diabetes Association (ADA).
ADAG linear regression formula:
eAG (mg/dL) = 28.7 × A1C (%) – 46.7
eAG (mmol/L) = (28.7 × A1C – 46.7) ÷ 18.016 or 1.59 × A1C – 2.59
Correlation coefficient r = 0.92, providing strong clinical validity.
| A1C % | eAG (mg/dL) | eAG (mmol/L) | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|
| < 5.7% | < 117 | < 6.5 | Normal – No diabetes |
| 5.7% – 6.4% | 117 – 137 | 6.5 – 7.6 | Prediabetes – Increased risk; lifestyle changes recommended |
| ≥ 6.5% | ≥ 140 | ≥ 7.8 | Diabetes – Consult your healthcare provider for treatment plan |
| ≥ 8.0% | ≥ 183 | ≥ 10.2 | Suboptimal control – Therapy intensification often needed |
A 52‑year‑old patient with type 2 diabetes presents an A1C of 8.2% (eAG ≈ 189 mg/dL). Using our converter, the clinician immediately visualizes that average glucose exceeds the ADA target. The patient’s medication regimen (metformin + SGLT2 inhibitor) is intensified, and after 3 months the A1C decreases to 7.1% – significantly reducing microvascular risk.
The A1C-Derived Average Glucose (ADAG) study involved 507 participants (268 with type 1 diabetes, 159 with type 2, 80 non‑diabetic) across 10 international centers. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) was used to calculate average glucose, then linear regression established the robust formula: eAG (mg/dL) = 28.7 × A1C – 46.7. The high correlation (R² = 0.84) confirms that A1C reliably predicts average glucose.