What your A1C results mean — and what to do next
This simple test can reveal long-term blood sugar trends and help inform your treatment plan.
When you live with diabetes or prediabetes, there are many numbers to keep track of. One important number? Your A1C. Here’s what to know about this common blood test and how it can help you and your physician understand patterns in your blood sugar levels.
What is an A1C test?
An A1C test, sometimes called a hemoglobin A1C or HbA1c test, shows your average blood sugar level over the past two to three months.
It measures how much glucose, or sugar, is attached to hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells. When glucose enters your bloodstream, some of it sticks to hemoglobin. The higher your blood sugar levels, the more glucose attaches to this protein.
The test is simple and does not usually require any special preparation. It may be done with a blood sample from a vein or, in some cases, a finger stick.
Healthcare providers use the A1C test to:
- Help diagnose prediabetes and diabetes
- Monitor how well a diabetes management plan is working
- Track blood sugar trends over time
Think of daily blood sugar readings as a snapshot and an A1C result as the bigger picture.
Both measurements are important. Daily blood sugar checks can help you understand how food, exercise, stress, and medications affect your blood sugar from day to day, while A1C results help you and your healthcare team evaluate long-term trends.
Ready to schedule an A1C test? Start by browsing our list of in-network providers near you.
What do my A1C results mean?
A1C results are reported as a percentage. The higher the percentage, the higher your average blood sugar levels have been over the past few months.
Here is what the numbers typically mean:
- Below 5.7%: Normal
- 5.7% to 6.4%: Prediabetes
- 6.5% or higher: Diabetes
If you have diabetes, your physician may talk with you about an A1C target. For many adults, a goal below 7% is often recommended. However, there is no one-size-fits-all target.
Your ideal A1C may depend on factors such as:
- Age
- Overall health
- How long you have had diabetes
- Personal treatment goals
- Other medical conditions
That is why it is important not to compare your results with someone else's. A number that is right for one person may not be right for another.
Your physician will consider your A1C results alongside other information, including daily blood sugar readings, medications, lifestyle habits, and overall health.
In some cases, certain health conditions can affect A1C results. For example, blood disorders, anemia, kidney disease, liver disease, or recent blood loss may make results less accurate. If your physician believes your A1C result does not match your overall health picture, additional testing may be recommended.
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When should I talk to my physician?
It is always a good idea to discuss your A1C results with your physician, especially if you have questions or concerns.
It may be time to check in if:
- Your A1C result is higher or lower than expected
- Your daily blood sugar readings do not seem to match an A1C result
- You have questions about an A1C target
- You have questions about diet, physical activity, or other lifestyle habits
- You notice new symptoms or changes in health appear
Remember: A single A1C result does not tell the whole story. One result outside your target range does not mean you have failed. Instead, think of it as valuable information to help guide your care. Along with daily blood sugar readings and other health information, your A1C can help you and your healthcare team decide whether any changes are needed.
See our sources:
Understanding A1C: American Diabetes Association
A1C test: Mayo Clinic
A1C test for diabetes and prediabetes: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) Test: MedlinePlus
Blood glucose (sugar) testing: Cleveland Clinic
