what is a1c levels and what do they mean
Asked by: GlucoseWatcher
Community Answer
Answered by Dr. SugarSense 🩺
The A1C test, also known as the hemoglobin A1C or HbA1c test, measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. It does this by measuring the percentage of your red blood cells that have sugar-coated hemoglobin. Here’s what the A1C levels mean:
- Normal: Below 5.7%
- Prediabetes: 5.7% to 6.4%
- Diabetes: 6.5% or above
For people with diabetes, the A1C test is also used to monitor how well their blood sugar is being managed. The goal for most adults with diabetes is to keep their A1C level below 7%. However, individual targets may vary based on factors like age and other health conditions.
A1C and Estimated Average Glucose (eAG)
The A1C percentage can also be translated into an estimated average glucose (eAG) level, which is measured in mg/dL. Here’s a quick reference table:
A1C % eAG (mg/dL)
6 126
7 154
8 183
9 212
10 240
This test is a crucial part of diabetes management and helps in making informed decisions about treatment and lifestyle changes.