Community Answer

Answered by Dr. HealthMetrics

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.

Last updated: 1/12/2025

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