what does a high hgb a1c mean
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Community Answer
Answered by Dr. Emily Carter, MD
A high Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) level indicates that your average blood sugar levels have been elevated over the past 2-3 months. Here’s what the ranges typically mean:
- Normal: Below 5.7%
- Prediabetes: 5.7% to 6.4%
- Diabetes: 6.5% or above
A high HbA1c suggests that your blood sugar is not well-controlled, which can increase the risk of diabetes-related complications such as:
- Heart disease
- Kidney damage
- Nerve damage
- Vision problems
If your HbA1c is high, it’s important to work with your healthcare provider to adjust your diabetes management plan, which may include lifestyle changes, medication, or both.