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eAG (Estimated Average Glucose)

Diabetes Biomarker

Sample Needed

Collection Type: Blood

Body System

Related System: Diabetes

Overview

Estimated Average Glucose (eAG) is a calculated value that translates hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) the measure of glycation of hemoglobin over the preceding 2–3 months into the same units used for daily glucose monitoring (mg/dL or mmol/L). It represents an average blood glucose level over time and helps clinicians and patients understand long‑term glycemic control more intuitively. eAG is used to detect, diagnose, and monitor diabetes and prediabetes. Symptoms that prompt testing include increased thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision or frequent infections. eAG can vary with age, pregnancy, hemoglobin disorders, anemia, kidney disease and ethnic differences that affect HbA1c.

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Test Preparation

No special preparation is required

Why Do I Need This Test

Profile: Diabetes - Symptoms indicating test: polyuria, polydipsia, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, recurrent infections - Used to diagnose/monitor: prediabetes, diabetes, and long‑term glycemic control in people with diabetes - Reasons for abnormal levels: chronically elevated or low blood glucose, inadequate treatment, excessive insulin/medication, anemia, hemoglobin variants - Biological meaning: high eAG = sustained hyperglycemia; low eAG = possible hypoglycemia or overtreatment - Lifestyle causes: poor diet, physical inactivity, missed medications or excess insulin/alcohol - Family history: first‑degree relatives with diabetes increases need for testing

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Understanding Test Results

<70 mg/dL (<3.9 mmol/L): suggests average glucose in the hypoglycemic range; may indicate overtreatment with insulin/oral agents, prolonged fasting, alcohol use, or insulinoma requires prompt review and management.
68–117 mg/dL (3.8–6.5 mmol/L): typical non‑diabetic range, consistent with HbA1c below ~5.7%.
117–137 mg/dL (6.5–7.6 mmol/L): corresponds to the prediabetes range (HbA1c ≈5.7–6.4%); indicates increased risk for developing diabetes and need for lifestyle intervention.
≥140 mg/dL (≥7.8 mmol/L): compatible with diabetes (HbA1c ≥6.5%) or poor control; sustained elevations increase risk of microvascular (retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy) and macrovascular complications.
Treatment target context: many guidelines aim for eAG equivalent to HbA1c <7% (eAG ≲154 mg/dL) for most adults; individualized targets apply for children, pregnancy and older adults.
Note: eAG is derived from HbA1c, so conditions that alter HbA1c accuracy (anemia, recent transfusion, hemoglobin variants, advanced kidney disease, pregnancy) will affect eAG validity and should be considered when interpreting results.

Normal Range

68-117 mg/dL OR 3.8-6.5 mmol/L

FAQs

Q: What does a eAG of 140 mean?

A: An eAG of 140 mg/dL means your estimated average blood glucose over the past 2–3 months is about 140 mg/dL, which corresponds to an HbA1c of roughly 6.5%. That level sits near the diabetes diagnostic threshold and indicates higher-than-normal glucose. Discuss results and individualized targets with your healthcare provider, since goals vary by age, health status, and treatment plan.

Q: Is eAG the same as HBA1C?

A: eAG (estimated average glucose) is not the same as HbA1c but is calculated from it. HbA1c is a blood test that measures glycated hemoglobin and reflects average glucose over about two to three months. eAG converts that percentage into an estimated average glucose (mg/dL or mmol/L) using a formula so patients can compare it with daily glucose readings.

Q: Should I worry about estimated average glucose 103?

A: An estimated average glucose (eAG) of 103 mg/dL corresponds roughly to an HbA1c near 5.2%, which is within the normal range. It’s generally not a concern if you have no symptoms or risk factors. Maintain healthy diet, exercise and routine monitoring. See your clinician if readings stay higher, you have symptoms, or you have diabetes risk factors—they may repeat A1c and fasting tests.

Q: How to calculate eAG at home?

A: Get your laboratory HbA1c (%) and use the formula: eAG (mg/dL) (28.7 A1c) 46.7. To get mmol/L, divide that result by 18 or use eAG (mmol/L) (1.59 A1c) 2.59. Use a calculator or app for accuracy. Remember eAG is an estimate of average glucose and discuss results and targets with your clinician.

Q: Is type 2 diabetes reversible?

A: Type 2 diabetes can often be put into remission—normal blood sugar without diabetes medicines—through significant weight loss (often ≥10–15%), healthy diet, exercise, or bariatric surgery, especially when started early. It’s not necessarily cured; blood sugar can rise again, so ongoing monitoring and lifestyle maintenance are required. Success varies by individual and disease duration.

Q: Should I worry if my glucose is 140?

A: If one-time glucose is 140 mg/dL, interpretation depends on timing. Fasting 140 is high and suggests diabetes—see your doctor. A 2‑hour post-meal value of 140 is borderline (impaired glucose tolerance); repeat testing, check fasting glucose and HbA1c, and adopt diet, exercise, and weight control. A random 140 may be okay if shortly after a meal but merits follow-up if repeated.