Doctors have always used the A1C blood test as the gold standard for measuring long-term diabetes management. However, with the rise of continuous glucose monitors, "Time in Range" is becoming just as prominent. What exactly do these two metrics measure, and which one gives a better picture of overall health?
What is the difference between my A1C and "Time in Range," and is one more important?
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sun, jul 19, 2026, 9:52:13
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The A1C test measures your average blood sugar over the past two to three months. While it is a fantastic big-picture metric, it has a significant blind spot: an A1C of 7.0% could mean your blood sugar was steady all day, or it could mean you had extreme highs and dangerous lows that simply averaged out to 7.0%. "Time in Range" (TIR), on the other hand, represents the percentage of time your blood sugar spends within a safe, target zone (usually 70-180 mg/dL). TIR provides a much clearer, day-to-day picture of your actual glucose stability and quality of life. Neither is inherently "more important" than the other; rather, they work together. A solid A1C combined with a high Time in Range (ideally above 70%) is the best indicator that your management plan is working to protect your long-term health.
[#203] Sunday, July 19, 2026, 1 Day
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