what is a1c levels mean

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.