Episode
Ep 156 - GMI vs A1C: Why Your Numbers Don't Match (And What Actually Matters)
- Published
- May 4, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 1604
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Summary
Have you ever looked at your CGM and felt confident… only to get your lab A1C back and feel completely thrown off? If your numbers don't match, you're not doing anything wrong. In this episode, we're breaking down the real reason your CGM estimate (GMI) and lab A1C can show different results—and why this disconnect can feel so frustrating, especially after years of doing your best to manage type 1 diabetes. Melissa shares her personal experience of seeing a 5.9 CGM estimate vs a 6.2 lab A1C and why that moment matters more than just the number. This conversation will help you stop second-guessing yourself and start understanding what your data is actually telling you. In This Episode I cover: What A1C really measures (and what it doesn't) How CGMs track glucose differently (interstitial vs blood) Why CGM estimates (GMI) are not exact The role of standard deviation and glucose variability Why your A1C can look "good" while your daily swings tell another story How anemia, iron levels, and hormones can impact A1C results Sensor accuracy, lag time, and calibration factors Why midlife hormones make this even more confusing Mentioned in This Episode: Episode 153 : What Labs to Ask for When You're Told "Everything Is Normal" Free Guide: Hormone Therapy + Type 1 Diabetes Upcoming Book: Highs, Lows & Hormones Hit the subscribe button and rate and review to help this podcast reach more people. Be sure to share this episode. What to do now: *Join the book pre-launch list for early access, bonuses, and 2026 launch updates. Grab my free guide, HRT and Type 1 Diabetes Everything I wish I knew in perimenopause. *Follow me IG @Type1.in.midlife stay in the loop on upcoming episodes. DM me with any feedback or suggestions on topics you'd like us to cover. *Visit diabetessisters.org to j…