A1C Chart: Understand Your Blood Glucose Levels

A1C Ranges for Normal, Prediabetes, and Diabetes

The chart above shows how diabetes is diagnosed based on A1C percentage, according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA).

• A1C level less than 5.7% is in a normal range
• A1C level between 5.7% and 6.4% is in the prediabetes range
• A1C level 6.5% and higher is in the diabetes range

The higher the A1C level, the greater the risk for diabetes complications.

What Else You Should Know About A1C Levels

If you have diabetes or prediabetes, your A1C test result will help you and your doctor decide the best ways to manage your condition and lower your number. Your A1C is usually measured at least twice a year to see your progress.

Your target A1C level can depend on a variety of factors, including your age. Most adults with diabetes have a target A1C level of less than 7%, according to the ADA.

Why It’s Important to Monitor Blood Glucose Levels If You Have Diabetes

Research suggests that keeping blood glucose levels in-range is the most significant way to prevent diabetes complications.

The A1C test gives an average but doesn’t capture how glucose changes during the day. Glucose changes have an impact on both complications of your condition and your quality of life. There are also risks related to the extremes of hypoglycemia (blood glucose level less than 70 mg/dL) and hyperglycemia (blood glucose level above 180 mg/dL).

That’s where self-monitoring comes in. An at-home blood glucose meter will give you instant feedback on blood glucose changes that are happening. These changes can be affected by nutrition, physical activity levels, medications, and even your mood.

You should set in-range target blood glucose levels together with your healthcare provider based on your needs and condition.

When deciding your target in-range values, discuss with your provider:

• How long you’ve had diabetes
• Other conditions you have, including cardiovascular disease
• Any diabetes complications you have

Knowing your glucose values throughout the day will provide you with valuable information. You’ll be able to detect the peaks in your glucose levels, such as high readings related to meal choices, or lower readings after medications or exercise. Pay attention to out-of-range glucose values and how often you’re in this state.

One of your goals in managing diabetes is to prevent high or low glucose levels known as hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia. Try to keep your levels within your target range.

Sources:

• American Diabetes Association. A1C and eAG. Accessed June 26, 2024.
• American Diabetes Association (2019) 2. Classification and Diagnosis of Diabetes: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes—2019. Diabetes Care.
• American Diabetes Association. What Is the A1C Test? Accessed June 26, 2024.
• Danne, T. et al (2017) International Consensus on Use of Continuous Glucose Monitoring Diabetes Care.
• Kovatchev, B. et al. (2016) Glucose Variability: Timing, Risk Analysis, and Relationship to Hypoglycemia in Diabetes Diabetes Care.