If you're managing diabetes or prediabetes, you've probably heard both "A1C" and "blood sugar" mentioned often. While they’re closely related, they measure very different things — and understanding the difference can help you better manage your health. Let’s break it down in simple terms.
Blood sugar (also called blood glucose) refers to the amount of glucose in your bloodstream at a given moment. It can be tested with a finger prick or a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). Blood sugar levels change throughout the day, especially after meals, exercise, or during stress.
A1C (also called HbA1C or glycated hemoglobin) is a blood test that reflects your average blood sugar levels over the past 2 to 3 months. It measures the percentage of red blood cells that have glucose attached. The higher your blood sugar over time, the higher your A1C will be.
Using both A1C and blood sugar readings gives you the full picture. You may have decent daily readings but a high A1C — which means your spikes are going unnoticed. A1C keeps you honest about your trends, while blood sugar helps with immediate management.
Improving your A1C and blood sugar involves the same core actions: eat a balanced diet, get regular exercise, stay hydrated, reduce stress, and take medications if prescribed. Monitoring both regularly gives you better control and fewer complications.
Remember, understanding these two measurements is key to reversing high blood sugar and avoiding long-term health issues. Track them both, act consistently, and your body will thank you.