Managing diabetes and sickle cell disease involves closely tracking blood sugar levels, which can be quite tough. The standard test used to track long-term glucose control is the Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) test measures the amount of glucose that has attached to your hemoglobin over time.
Typically, this is done using the HbA1c test, but in patients with SCD, this test can sometimes be unreliable. So, I created this calculator to accurately determine HbA1c values.
Fructosamine to A1c Conversion Calculator
Example :
Suppose your fructosamine level is 250 µmol/L. Using the conversion calculator, you might find this roughly equivalent to an A1c of 5,86%.
This conversion helps you gauge how your recent glucose control aligns with your longer-term A1c goal.
Fructosamine
Fructosamine is a type of blood test that gives you an idea of your average blood sugar levels over the past two to three weeks.
It’s similar to the more common HbA1c test, which looks at your blood sugar levels over a longer period, about two to three months.
Of course, It’s beneficial if you need a shorter-term view of your blood sugar, like if you’ve recently changed your diabetes treatment plan and want to see how it’s working.
The test measures the amount of sugar attached to proteins in your blood, particularly albumin.
Since these proteins have a shorter lifespan than red blood cells, the fructosamine test gives you a more immediate snapshot of your blood sugar control.
HbA1c
HbA1c, also known as hemoglobin A1c, is a blood test that measures your average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months.
It’s an indicator for managing diabetes because it gives you and your healthcare provider an idea of how well your blood sugar levels are being controlled over time, not just on the day of the test.
When sugar enters your bloodstream, it attaches to hemoglobin, a protein in your red blood cells. This test measures the percentage of hemoglobin that has sugar attached to it.
A higher HbA1c level means higher blood sugar levels, which can indicate poorly controlled diabetes.
For most people with diabetes, an HbA1c level of 7% or lower is the goal, but your target may vary depending on your health situation.
This test is usually done every three to six months.
If your levels are higher than your target, it might be a sign that you need to adjust your diet, exercise, or medication.
Normal Hemoglobin Levels For Men: 14.0 to 17.5 gm/dL
For Women: 12.3 to 15.3 gm/dL
Fructosamine to A1c Conversion Chart
| HbA1c (%) | Fructosamine (mmol/L) |
|---|---|
| 4.0 | 139.4 |
| 4.5 | 168.8 |
| 5.0 | 198.2 |
| 5.5 | 227.6 |
| 6.0 | 257.1 |
| 6.5 | 286.5 |
| 7.0 | 315.9 |
| 7.5 | 345.3 |
| 8.0 | 374.7 |
| 8.5 | 404.1 |
| 9.0 | 433.5 |
| 9.5 | 462.9 |
| 10.0 | 492.4 |
You can use it as a quick reference to convert HbA1c values to Fructosamine levels.
Formula:
HbA1c = 0.017 X fructosamine level (mmol/L) + 1.61( DCCT% terms)
Different HbA1c Levels
| HbA1c Level (%) | Interpretation | Equivalent Blood Glucose (mg/dL) | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5.7% | Normal | Below 117 | Non-diabetic |
| 5.7% – 6.4% | Prediabetes | 117 – 137 | At risk of diabetes |
| 6.5% and above | Diabetes | 137 and above | Diabetic |
| 7.0% and above | Poorly controlled diabetes | 154 and above | Requires intervention |
HbA1c is a measure of your average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. Just like me, if you don’t have diabetes, your normal HbA1c levels should be between 4% and 5.6%.
As you see in the above chart, when your levels are between 5.7% and 6.4%, it indicates prediabetes and a higher risk of developing diabetes. An HbA1c level of 6.5% or higher means you have diabetes.
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends keeping HbA1c levels below 7% for adults and below 7.5% for children to help prevent complications from diabetes.
How I Manage My Low HbA1c to Stay Safe
When my HbA1c dropped too low, I knew I needed to make some changes to keep myself safe.
Here are some practical tips :
1.Track Blood Sugar Levels Regularly: I make it a habit to check my blood sugar levels multiple times a day. This helps me catch any dips early.
2. Eat Balanced Meals: After that, I focus on eating regular, balanced meals with a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats to keep my blood sugar steady.
3. Keep Snacks Handy: I always have quick snacks like glucose tablets, fruit, or juice with me in case my blood sugar starts to drop. Also, you don’t have to fast before an A1C test.
4. Monitor Symptoms: I pay close attention to how I feel—dizziness, sweating, or shaking are signs my blood sugar might be too low.
5. Work with My Doctor: Regularly I consult my doctor to adjust my medication or insulin dosage, ensuring it’s right for my needs.
6. Exercise Smart: While staying active, I also make sure to monitor my blood sugar before, during, and after workouts.
These steps have made a big difference in how I manage my HbA1c. If you’re dealing with low levels, I hope these tips can help you too.
Further, it’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor about what works best for you.
References:
- Gingras V, Rifas-Shiman SL, Switkowski KM, Oken E, Hivert MF. Mid-Pregnancy Fructosamine Measurement-Predictive Value for Gestational Diabetes and Association with Postpartum Glycemic Indices. Nutrients. 2018 Dec 18;10(12) [PubMed]
- Penttilä I, Penttilä K, Holm P, et al. Methods, units and quality requirements for the analysis of haemoglobin A1c in diabetes mellitus. World Journal of Methodology. 2016;6(2):133–142.
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549816/
