LabSense

A1c & Glucose Tests Explained: What the Numbers Mean

8/19/2025

A1c reflects average glucose ~3 months; fasting glucose and OGTT look at shorter windows. Always use your lab's ranges.

What can skew A1c

  • Anemia, hemoglobin variants, pregnancy, kidney/liver disease, recent transfusion.

Educational plan

  1. Confirm fasting/illness/meds (e.g., steroids).
  2. Lifestyle pillars: whole-food, higher-fiber pattern; regular activity; sleep; stress reduction.
  3. Discuss with clinician: home glucose/CGM; med classes (metformin, GLP-1 RA, SGLT2 inhibitors, basal insulin) based on comorbidities and goals.
  4. Repeat commonly at 3 months after major changes.

Disclaimer: Educational information only — not a diagnosis, treatment, or prescription.

Educational information only — not a diagnosis, treatment, or prescription.