The A1C test measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 2 to 3 months by assessing the percentage of hemoglobin coated with sugar in your blood. A1C levels and their meanings:
- Normal: Below 5.7%
- Prediabetes: 5.7% to 6.4%
- Diabetes: 6.5% or above
For most adults without diabetes, an A1C below 5.7% is considered normal. If the A1C is between 5.7% and 6.4%, it indicates prediabetes, and 6.5% or higher on two separate tests confirms diabetes
. A1C goals for people with diabetes:
- The general target A1C goal is 7% or less for most adults with diabetes.
- Some individuals may aim for below 6.5% if achievable without significant hypoglycemia.
- Targets can be individualized based on age, health status, risk of low blood sugar, duration of diabetes, and other factors
Maintaining an A1C at or below the target reduces the risk of diabetes-related complications. Your healthcare provider will help determine the appropriate goal and monitoring frequency for your situation
. Summary:
A1C Level| Interpretation| Typical Goal for Diabetes Management
---|---|---
Below 5.7%| Normal| Not applicable
5.7% to 6.4%| Prediabetes| Lifestyle changes to prevent progression
6.5% or higher| Diabetes| Generally 7% or less; individualized per patient
This provides a clear framework for understanding and managing A1C levels effectively.
