what does a high a1c mean

A high A1C level indicates that your average blood sugar levels have been elevated over the past 2-3 months. Here’s what the A1C ranges typically mean:

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

A high A1C can be a sign of poorly managed diabetes or prediabetes, which increases the risk of complications such as heart disease, kidney damage, and nerve problems. If your A1C is high, it’s important to work with your healthcare provider to adjust your treatment plan, which may include lifestyle changes, medication, or both.