Myths vs facts: HbA1c and blood sugar

HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin) is a long-term blood sugar marker reflecting average glucose over 2–3 months. A common myth: HbA1c equals daily blood sugar. In reality, it measures hemoglobin glycation, influenced by red blood cell lifespan, anemia, or hemoglobin variants. Normal fasting glucose does not rule out postprandial spikes that raise HbA1c. Conversely, elevated HbA1c with normal fasting glucose may indicate impaired glucose tolerance. Consumer tests like MyBody-X offer HbA1c measurements but are not diagnostic—they serve wellness guidance. For diabetes diagnosis, standardized lab tests and clinical evaluation are required. Evidence: well-established (clinical guidelines), but individual variability matters. Safety note: HbA1c <5.7% is normal, 5.7–6.4% prediabetes, ≥6.5% diabetes (per ADA). Single measurements can be skewed by acute illness.