Which statement about postprandial glucose and A1C is correct?

Which statement about postprandial glucose and A1C is correct?

• A. A1C is independent of postprandial glucose
• B. Postprandial glucose contributes significantly to A1C, especially when A1C is near goal
• C. Only fasting affects A1C
• D. Postprandial affects A1C only in type 2 diabetes

Answer: (B)

A1C reflects the average blood glucose over roughly three months, capturing both fasting periods and after-meal (postprandial) glucose. When A1C is near the goal, fasting glucose is often close to target, so the remaining elevation is usually driven by postprandial spikes. Reducing those post-meal rises can therefore move the A1C further toward goal. This is why postprandial glucose contributes significantly to A1C, whereas fasting glucose also matters; the influence is not limited to type 2 diabetes, and A1C is not independent of postprandial glucose.

A1C reflects the average blood glucose over roughly three months, capturing both fasting periods and after-meal (postprandial) glucose. When A1C is near the goal, fasting glucose is often close to target, so the remaining elevation is usually driven by postprandial spikes. Reducing those post-meal rises can therefore move the A1C further toward goal. This is why postprandial glucose contributes significantly to A1C, whereas fasting glucose also matters; the influence is not limited to type 2 diabetes, and A1C is not independent of postprandial glucose.