An A1C test measures the percentage of hemoglobin in your blood that carries glucose. The higher the amount of glucose in the blood, the higher the A1C percentage. A normal A1C measurement is less than 5.7%, while an A1C of 5.7% to 6.4% could suggest prediabetes, and an A1C of 6.5% or higher usually means diabetes.

Besides, At what A1C level does damage start?

A normal A1C level is below 5.7%, a level of 5.7% to 6.4% indicates prediabetes, and a level of 6.5% or more indicates diabetes. Within the 5.7% to 6.4% prediabetes range, the higher your A1C, the greater your risk is for developing type 2 diabetes.

Keeping this in mind, What does a A1c of 7.7 mean? A higher A1C percentage corresponds to higher average blood sugar levels. Results for a diagnosis are interpreted as follows: Below 5.7% is normal. 5.7% to 6.4% is diagnosed as prediabetes. 6.5% or higher on two separate tests indicates diabetes.

How can I get my A1c down fast?

Since exercise prompts your muscles to take up sugar from your bloodstream, it helps your blood sugar levels drop more quickly after you eat a meal. As you make exercise a regular habit, you’ll see a downward trend in your A1c numbers. Never miss your meds. You can reliably lower your A1c through diet and exercise.

What does A1c of 7.8 mean?

Your A1c of 7.8% indicates that your average blood sugar is around 200 mg/dl [11.1 mmol/L], which is almost twice normal.

What is the danger zone for A1C?

3 An A1C level above 7% means someone is at an increased risk of complications from diabetes, which should prompt a person to make sure they have a plan in place to manage their blood sugar levels and decrease this risk.

At what blood sugar level does damage occur?

“Post-meal blood sugars of 140 mg/dl [milligrams per deciliter] and higher, and fasting blood sugars over 100 mg/dl [can] cause permanent organ damage and cause diabetes to progress,” Ruhl writes.

What is a bad A1C level?

What are normal hemoglobin A1c levels, and are low or high levels dangerous? In most labs, the normal range for hemoglobin A1c is 4% to 5.9%. In well-controlled diabetic patients, hemoglobin A1c levels are less than 7.0%. In poorly controlled diabetes, its level is 8.0% or above.

Is an A1C of 7.7 good?

An A1c goal of between 7% and 8% is reasonable and beneficial for most patients with type 2 diabetes… … though if lifestyle changes can get that number lower, then go for it.

What foods can I eat to lower my A1C?


The 10 Best Foods to Control Diabetes and Lower Blood Sugar

  • Non-Starchy Vegetables. Non-starchy vegetables are one of the best foods you can eat as a diabetic. …
  • Leafy Greens. …
  • Fatty Fish. …
  • Nuts and Eggs. …
  • Seeds. …
  • Natural Fats. …
  • Apple Cider Vinegar. …
  • Cinnamon and Turmeric.

What level of A1C requires insulin?

“The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists recommends starting a person with type 2 diabetes on insulin if their A1C is above 9 percent and they have symptoms,” said Mazhari.

What foods will lower A1C levels?


The 10 Best Foods to Control Diabetes and Lower Blood Sugar

  • Non-Starchy Vegetables. Non-starchy vegetables are one of the best foods you can eat as a diabetic. …
  • Leafy Greens. …
  • Fatty Fish. …
  • Nuts and Eggs. …
  • Seeds. …
  • Natural Fats. …
  • Apple Cider Vinegar. …
  • Cinnamon and Turmeric.

What foods to avoid if your A1C is high?

  • Sugar-sweetened beverages. Sugary beverages are the worst drink choice for someone with diabetes. …
  • Trans fats. Artificial trans fats are extremely unhealthy. …
  • White bread, rice, and pasta. …
  • Fruit-flavored yogurt. …
  • Sweetened breakfast cereals. …
  • Flavored coffee drinks. …
  • Honey, agave nectar, and maple syrup. …
  • Dried fruit.

How can I lower my A1C in a week?


By keeping your A1C number within your target range, you can reduce the risk of diabetes complications.

  1. 5 Simple Ways To Lower Your A1C This Week. …
  2. Try Short Sessions of High Intensity Exercise. …
  3. Shrink Your Dinner Plate. …
  4. Eat Whole Foods. …
  5. Get Enough Sleep — But Not Too Much. …
  6. Get It in Writing.

Is 7.8 A good A1C reading?

An A1c goal of between 7% and 8% is reasonable and beneficial for most patients with type 2 diabetes…

Is blood sugar of 7.8 high?

Less than 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L) is normal. 140 to 199 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L and 11.0 mmol/L) is diagnosed as prediabetes. 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) or higher after two hours suggests diabetes.

Is an A1C of 8.2 Bad?

What are normal hemoglobin A1c levels, and are low or high levels dangerous? In most labs, the normal range for hemoglobin A1c is 4% to 5.9%. In well-controlled diabetic patients, hemoglobin A1c levels are less than 7.0%. In poorly controlled diabetes, its level is 8.0% or above.

What is the highest A1C level recorded?

They do, however, report that Michael Patrick Buonocore survived a blood sugar of 2,656 mg/dL upon admittance to the ER in East Stroudsburg, PA, on March 23, 2008.

What is a dangerously high blood sugar level?

According to the University of Michigan, blood sugar levels of 300 mg/dL or more can be dangerous. They recommend calling a doctor if you have two readings in a row of 300 or more. Call your doctor if you’re worried about any symptoms of high blood sugar.

At what sugar level is diabetic coma?

A diabetic coma could happen when your blood sugar gets too high — 600 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or more — causing you to become very dehydrated. It usually affects people with type 2 diabetes that isn’t well-controlled.

What is the highest blood sugar level that is safe?

The highest blood sugar level that’s considered safe will depend on the person and whether they have diabetes, but will typically be

between 160 to 240 mg/dL

.



Normal blood sugar levels for adults.

Normal blood sugar levels for adults
Before meal
70-130
1-2 hours after eating Less than 180
Bedtime 100-140

Is an A1C of 10 bad?

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, an optimal A1C is below 5.7 percent . If your score is between 5.7 and 6.4 percent, the diagnosis is prediabetes. Having prediabetes puts you at risk for developing type 2 diabetes within 10 years.

What if my A1C is 14?

If the A1C is higher than that, and on diagnosis of type 2 it commonly is, the machine just reads >14%. How much higher is anyone’s guess. It could be 14.1% or it could be 20%. To clock a 14% you need a 24-7-90 (twenty four hours a day, seven days per week, for 90 days) blood sugar average of 355 mg/dL.

How can I get my A1C down fast?

Since exercise prompts your muscles to take up sugar from your bloodstream, it helps your blood sugar levels drop more quickly after you eat a meal. As you make exercise a regular habit, you’ll see a downward trend in your A1c numbers. Never miss your meds. You can reliably lower your A1c through diet and exercise.