74: Difference Between A1c and Blood Sugar and Why It Matters

Type 2 Diabetes Talk

In this episode, we’re unraveling one of the most common areas of confusion for people managing type 2 diabetes or prediabetes: the difference between A1c and daily blood sugar readings.

If you’ve ever wondered why your doctor focuses on A1c while you’re monitoring your daily levels at home, or how these two measurements work together, this is the episode for you!

You’ll learn how daily blood sugar provides immediate feedback to guide your decisions, while A1c offers a long-term snapshot of your glucose control. Plus, discover practical steps to manage both effectively, avoid common pitfalls, and how to start using your numbers to achieve better results.

CHAPTERS

3:38 Always ask questions!

4:45 What is blood sugar/blood glucose?

6:39 Normal blood sugar levels: in brief

7:42 Understanding blood sugar fluctuations

10:25 What is A1c?

12:51 Normal A1c levels: in brief

15:36 How do A1c and blood sugar relate?

16:55 Key differences between blood sugar and A1c

20:48 The number to monitor to get better A1c results

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Chapters

1. 74: Difference Between A1c and Blood Sugar and Why It Matters (00:00:00)

2. No question is a silly question, everyone is at a different point in their diabetes journey (00:01:21)

3. Always ask questions! (00:03:38)

4. What is blood sugar/blood glucose? (00:04:45)

5. Normal blood sugar levels: in brief (00:06:39)

6. Understanding blood sugar fluctuations (00:07:42)

7. What is A1c? (00:10:25)

8. Normal A1c levels: in brief (00:12:51)

9. How do A1c and blood sugar relate? (00:15:36)

10. Key differences between blood sugar and A1c (00:16:55)

11. The number to monitor to get better A1c results (00:20:48)