Managing Type 1 diabetes (T1D) means keeping track of several important measurements that help you monitor your blood sugar levels. For those new to diabetes or supporting a loved one, terms like "HbA1c," "A1c," and "Time in Range" might sound confusing. Don’t worry—we’re here to break them down in a way that’s easy to understand, so you can feel more confident in managing diabetes care.

What is HbA1c and A1c?

Understanding HbA1c

HbA1c, often referred to simply as A1c, is a blood test that shows your average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. It’s an important indicator of how well you’re managing your diabetes in the long term.

How It Works:

• Sugar in your blood attaches to hemoglobin (a protein in red blood cells).
• The HbA1c test measures how much sugar is attached, giving a percentage that reflects your blood sugar levels over time.
• The higher the percentage, the higher your average blood sugar levels have been.

What is a Good A1c Level?

For most people with T1D, the goal is to keep the A1c level:

• Below 7% for adults.
• Below 7.5-8% for children (targets may vary based on individual needs).

A lower A1c means better blood sugar control, reducing the risk of diabetes-related complications. However, focusing solely on A1c doesn’t always give the full picture of daily blood sugar fluctuations.

HbA1c Chart Explained

What is an HbA1c Chart?

An HbA1c chart helps convert your A1c percentage into an estimated average blood sugar level, making it easier to understand. For example, an A1c of 7% roughly translates to an average blood sugar level of about 154 mg/dL (8.6 mmol/L).

How to Read the HbA1c Chart:

• 6% A1c = 126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L) average blood sugar
• 7% A1c = 154 mg/dL (8.6 mmol/L) average blood sugar
• 8% A1c = 183 mg/dL (10.2 mmol/L) average blood sugar
• 9% A1c = 212 mg/dL (11.8 mmol/L) average blood sugar

Using this chart helps you understand what your A1c means in terms of daily glucose levels, making it easier to set realistic goals for managing your diabetes.

What is Time in Range (TIR)?

Introduction to Time in Range

Time in Range (TIR) is a measurement that tracks how much time your blood sugar levels stay within your target range, usually set by your healthcare provider. For most people with T1D, this target range is 70-180 mg/dL (3.9-10 mmol/L).

Why Time in Range Matters:

• Better Snapshot of Daily Control: TIR shows how often your blood sugar stays within a safe range each day.
• Helps reduce both highs (hyperglycemia) and lows (hypoglycemia).
• Offers a more immediate way to see how your lifestyle and medication are impacting your blood sugar.

Setting TIR Goals

Most diabetes experts recommend aiming to keep your blood sugar in range for:

• More than 70% of the time (about 17 hours per day).
• Less than 4% of the time with low blood sugar levels (<70 mg/dL).

Achieving these goals can significantly reduce your risk of complications and improve your overall quality of life.

A1c vs. Time in Range: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Understanding the Differences

While both A1c and Time in Range are valuable tools for managing Type 1 diabetes, they measure different aspects of blood sugar control:

Why TIR Can Be More Insightful

• Captures Daily Variability: TIR provides a real-time picture of your blood sugar ups and downs, which A1c alone might miss.
• Immediate Feedback: You can quickly see how diet, exercise, or stress impacts your glucose levels and adjust your routine accordingly.
• Focuses on Stability: Staying within range means fewer highs and lows, which can lead to fewer symptoms and a better quality of life.

How They Work Together

While A1c gives you a broader view of your blood sugar control, TIR offers a detailed look at your day-to-day fluctuations. Think of it like this:

• A1c is like a report card at the end of a school term, showing your overall performance.
• TIR is like your daily attendance and participation marks, indicating how consistent you are throughout each day.

Together, these measurements provide a more comprehensive picture of your diabetes management. By focusing on both, you can work towards a more stable and predictable blood sugar pattern, which ultimately helps you achieve a better A1c over time.

How to Monitor with CGM Data: Getting the Most Out of Your Device

Using CGMs for Better Blood Sugar Management

Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) are one of the most powerful tools available for people with Type 1 diabetes. They provide real-time data on your blood sugar levels, allowing you to see trends and patterns that you might miss with standard finger-prick tests. This data is incredibly valuable for monitoring your Time in Range (TIR) and managing your A1c levels.

How to Use CGM Data Effectively:

1. Check Your Trends: Instead of focusing on individual readings, look at the trends in your CGM data. Are your blood sugar levels stable, or do they fluctuate significantly after meals or physical activity?
2. Set Alerts for Highs and Lows: Most CGMs allow you to set customizable alerts when your blood sugar goes above or below a certain threshold. These alerts can help you take immediate action to prevent highs (hyperglycemia) or lows (hypoglycemia).
3. Analyze Your Time in Range: CGMs calculate the percentage of time your blood sugar is within the target range. Aim to keep your levels in range for at least 70% of the time. Use the data to identify what causes you to go out of range and adjust your diet, exercise, or insulin doses accordingly.
4. Review Daily Patterns: Look at your data over different times of the day. If you notice that your blood sugar tends to spike in the morning (a common issue known as the "dawn phenomenon"), you can talk to your healthcare provider about adjusting your insulin dosage.
5. Download Reports: Many CGMs come with software or apps that generate detailed reports of your blood sugar data. Share these reports with your healthcare provider to help make more informed decisions about your treatment plan.

Benefits of Monitoring with CGMs

Using CGM data provides a comprehensive view of your glucose levels, which can help you:

• Make Informed Decisions: Knowing how your blood sugar responds to different foods, exercise, and stress allows you to make real-time adjustments to your diabetes management.
• Improve Time in Range: By understanding your glucose patterns, you can take steps to increase the time your blood sugar levels stay within the target range.
• Reduce A1c Levels: When you focus on keeping your glucose levels in range consistently, your A1c levels will gradually improve over time.

Final Thoughts: Achieving Balance in Diabetes Management

Both A1c and Time in Range are essential tools for managing Type 1 diabetes effectively. While A1c gives you a broad view of your long-term glucose control, TIR provides the immediate feedback you need to make day-to-day adjustments. By understanding and focusing on both, you can gain better control over your diabetes and improve your overall quality of life.

How Type One Style CGM Patches Can Help You Stay in Range

Keeping your CGM securely in place is crucial for accurate readings, which directly impacts your Time in Range. That’s where Type One Style CGM patches come in! Our patches are designed to help you stay on track with your diabetes care, providing a reliable solution to keep your device secure and working properly.

Why Type One Style CGM Patches Make a Difference:

• Reliable Security: Keeps your CGM in place through all activities, ensuring you get the most accurate data for managing your TIR and A1c.
• Skin-Friendly: Made with hypoallergenic, clinical-grade materials to prevent irritation, so you can wear them comfortably for weeks.
• Stylish Designs: Over 350+ designs to choose from, making it easy to add a bit of personality to your diabetes management routine.

When you focus on staying in range and achieving your A1c goals, let Type One Style CGM patches be your trusted partner. They’re not just about protecting your CGM—they’re about giving you the confidence to live life to the fullest, knowing your device is secure, and your diabetes is under control.