what do a1c levels mean

The A1C test measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. Here’s what the A1C levels indicate:

• Normal: Below 5.7%
• Prediabetes: 5.7% to 6.4%
• Diabetes: 6.5% or above

What Does A1C Measure?

The A1C test measures the percentage of your red blood cells that have sugar-coated hemoglobin. Higher blood sugar levels result in more sugar attaching to hemoglobin.

Why Is A1C Important?

• Diagnosis: It helps diagnose prediabetes and diabetes.
• Monitoring: It tracks how well you’re managing your diabetes over time.
• Goals: For most people with diabetes, the goal is to keep A1C levels below 7% to reduce the risk of complications.

Factors Affecting A1C Accuracy

Certain conditions can affect A1C results, such as:

• Severe anemia
• Kidney or liver disease
• Blood disorders like sickle cell anemia
• Certain medications

Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice and interpretation of your A1C results.