New HbA1c units

New HbA1c units

A new measurement for HbA1c results is being introduced. It is intended that this measurement is going to be international so that all laboratories will be using the same measurements.

For the last 18 months, HbA1c results should have been reported in both the percentage measurement we are used to and in new units, mmols/mol, to give time for everyone to get used to the change. The intention was that from June 1st 2011, HbA1c results would be reported only in new units, mmols/mol. However, in many areas the dual reporting has not been happening, so it has been decided to postpone the changeover date to the new units until October 1st 2011.

The relationship between the current HbA1c and the new measurements will be:

HbA1c (DCCT)
Current measurement (%)

HbA1c (IFCC)
Measurement from October 2011 (mmol/mol)

6

42

7

53

8

64

9

75

10

86

11

97

12

108

13

119
  • So if you are aiming for HbA1c targets of 6.5% and 7.5%, the new units will be 48mmol/mol and 59mmol/mol.
  • Normal blood glucose [in someone without diabetes] is 4 – 6% but in the new units it will be 20 – 42mmol/mol.

To read an article by Dr David Levy on the change to the new HbA1c units, click on IDDT’s April Newsletter
https://www.iddt.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/IDDTNewsletter-Apr2011.pdf#page=12