what is a1c levels mean
Asked by: JohnDoe
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Community Answer
Answered by Dr. Emily Smith, MD
A1C levels, also known as HbA1c or glycated hemoglobin, measure your average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. The test reflects the percentage of hemoglobin in your red blood cells that has glucose attached to it. Here’s what the A1C levels indicate:
- Normal: Below 5.7%
- Prediabetes: 5.7% to 6.4%
- Diabetes: 6.5% or higher
A1C levels are used to diagnose diabetes, monitor blood sugar control, and assess the risk of diabetes-related complications. For most people with diabetes, the goal is to maintain an A1C level below 7% to reduce the risk of complications.