Convert your HbA1c result between mmol/mol and % units. See where it sits against target ranges.
Blood sugar in Australia is reported using two different units that look similar but measure very different things:
Unit: mmol/L
Measures: Your blood sugar right now
Fasting normal: 3.6–6.0 mmol/L
Random normal: 3.6–7.7 mmol/L
Changes: Hour to hour, meal to meal
Unit: mmol/mol (or %)
Measures: Your 3-month average
Normal: <38 mmol/mol (<5.7%)
Diabetes target: ≤53 mmol/mol (≤7.0%)
Changes: Slowly, over weeks to months
The key difference: mmol/L (blood glucose) and mmol/mol (HbA1c) are completely different units. A fasting glucose of 5.5 mmol/L and an HbA1c of 55 mmol/mol are not related — they look similar but one is normal and the other indicates poorly controlled diabetes.
Estimated Average Glucose (eAG): The converter above translates your HbA1c into an estimated average daily blood sugar in mmol/L — making it easier to relate to the numbers you see on a finger prick meter.
| HbA1c (mmol/mol) | HbA1c (%) | Avg BSL (mmol/L) | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31 | 5.0% | 5.4 | Normal |
| 42 | 6.0% | 7.0 | Pre-diabetes |
| 48 | 6.5% | 7.8 | Diabetes diagnosis |
| 53 | 7.0% | 8.6 | General target |
| 64 | 8.0% | 10.2 | Above target |
| 75 | 9.0% | 11.8 | Poorly controlled |
| 86 | 10.0% | 13.4 | Very poorly controlled |
Based on RACGP Management of Type 2 Diabetes: A Handbook for General Practice, 2024 ↗. Your GP determines the right interval for your situation — this is a general reference only.
For people with diabetes, HbA1c is one part of regular monitoring. The following are tests and checks your GP may discuss with you — not every item applies to everyone:
| Test | How often | Why |
|---|---|---|
| HbA1c | Every 3–6 months | Average blood sugar control |
| Kidney function (eGFR + ACR) | Annually | Diabetes can damage kidneys — early detection is key |
| Lipids (cholesterol) | Annually | Heart disease risk — most diabetics need a statin |
| Blood pressure | Every visit | Target <140/90 (or <130/80 if kidney disease) |
| Eye check (retinal screening) | Every 2 years (or annually if issues) | Diabetic retinopathy — can cause blindness if untreated |
| Foot check | Annually (more if high risk) | Nerve damage and circulation — prevents ulcers and amputation |
| Dental check | Every 6–12 months | Diabetes increases gum disease risk |
Ask your GP about a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (GPCCMP) — diabetes qualifies you for 5 subsidised allied health visits per year (podiatry, dietitian, etc.).
If your HbA1c is above your target, these changes can make a real difference:
A 1% (11 mmol/mol) reduction in HbA1c reduces the risk of diabetes complications by approximately 25%. Every point matters.
HbA1c (glycated haemoglobin) measures your average blood sugar level over the past 2–3 months. It reflects how much glucose has attached to your red blood cells. It's used to diagnose diabetes and monitor how well blood sugar is being managed over time.
Australia uses mmol/mol (IFCC units). Some older resources and US-based information use % (NGSP/DCCT units). The conversion formula is: % = (mmol/mol ÷ 10.929) + 2.15
Normal: <38 mmol/mol (<5.7%) — no diabetes
Pre-diabetes: 38–47 mmol/mol (5.7–6.4%) — increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes
Diabetes diagnosis: ≥48 mmol/mol (≥6.5%)
General target for people with diabetes: ≤53 mmol/mol (≤7.0%)
Targets may be individualised. Older adults or those at risk of hypoglycaemia may have a higher target (e.g. ≤64 mmol/mol / ≤8.0%). Young, otherwise healthy adults with type 2 diabetes may aim for ≤48 mmol/mol (≤6.5%). Your GP sets your personal target.
HbA1c may not be accurate in certain situations:
— Pregnancy — use fasting glucose or OGTT instead
— Haemoglobin disorders (thalassaemia, sickle cell) — can give falsely low or high results
— Recent significant blood loss or transfusion
— Iron deficiency anaemia — can falsely elevate HbA1c
— Chronic kidney disease (stage 4-5) — may be less reliable
If any of these apply to you, your GP will use alternative tests to monitor your diabetes.