is a1c of 8 dangerous

An A1C level of 8% indicates an average blood glucose level of approximately 183 mg/dL over the past 2-3 months. This is considered high and may indicate poor diabetes management. Here’s what it means:

• Diabetes Diagnosis: An A1C of 6.5% or higher is diagnostic for diabetes. An A1C of 8% is well above this threshold.
• Health Risks: Consistently high A1C levels increase the risk of diabetes-related complications, such as:
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Kidney damage
  • Nerve damage
  • Vision problems

What to Do:

• Consult Your Doctor: Discuss your A1C results and adjust your diabetes management plan if necessary.
• Lifestyle Changes: Focus on diet, exercise, and medication adherence to lower your A1C.
• Monitoring: Regularly check your blood sugar levels to track progress.

Aiming for an A1C below 7% is generally recommended for most people with diabetes, but your target may vary based on your health condition.