A1C Target Calculator
Determine an individualised A1C target based on age, diabetes duration, comorbidities, hypoglycaemia risk, and life expectancy — reflecting that one target does not fit everyone.
Formula & Reference
| Variable | Symbol | Formula | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1C Target Calculator | — | Target individualised across 6 patient factors | percent |
Step-by-Step Examples
45 years old, diagnosed 2 years ago, no cardiovascular disease, healthy, no hypoglycaemia history, long life expectancy.
- Every factor scores 0
- Total = 0
- Tight control is generally appropriate here
70 years old, 18 years duration, established CVD, several comorbidities, no severe hypoglycaemia.
- Age 65–75 → 1, duration 10–20 → 1
- CVD → 2, several comorbidities → 1
- Total = 5
82 years old, 25 years duration, CVD, multiple comorbidities, prior severe hypoglycaemia with unawareness, limited life expectancy.
- Age over 75 → 2, duration over 20 → 2
- CVD → 2, multiple comorbidities → 2
- Severe hypoglycaemia → 3, unawareness → 2
- Limited life expectancy → 2
- Total = 15
Real-World Applications
Common Mistakes to Avoid
ACCORD found increased mortality with intensive glucose lowering in high-risk patients. Below a point, the risks of tight control can exceed the benefits.
A prior severe hypoglycaemic episode is among the strongest arguments for relaxing a target, regardless of what other factors suggest.
Anaemia, haemoglobinopathies, chronic kidney disease, and recent transfusion all affect A1C accuracy, and alternatives may be needed.