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Normal Hemoglobin A1c level
Have you had a Hemoglobin A1c test and wondered if your result falls within the normal range? Do you want to understand the readings of this test? Keep reading the article to learn everything you need to know about normal Hemoglobin A1c levels.
What's a Normal Hemoglobin A1c level?
Before explaining the average Hemoglobin A1c level, it is necessary to clarify what the Hemoglobin A1c test means, also known as the A1c test, glycated hemoglobin test, or HbA1c.
It is a standard blood test that determines the average blood glucose levels over the past three months, thus helping with the following: (1)(2)
- Diagnose type 2 diabetes.
- Diagnose prediabetes.
- Monitor diabetes treatment plan by determining the level of glycemic control.
Now, going back to the question “What’s a Normal Hemoglobin A1c level?” we will explain the answer in the following points:
Normal Hemoglobin A1c level in non-diabetic individuals:
The normal level of Hemoglobin A1c in individuals without diabetes ranges between 4% – 5.6%. Levels of Hemoglobin A1c ranging from 5.7 – 6.4% indicate prediabetes and a higher chance of getting diabetes. Levels of 6.5% and above indicate the presence of diabetes. (3)
Summary of Hemoglobin A1c Readings
The following table explains Hemoglobin A1c levels and what they indicate:(4)
| Category | Hemoglobin A1c Level |
|---|---|
| Non-diabetic individuals | Less than 5.7% |
| Prediabetes | 5.7% - 6.4% |
| Diabetes | 6.5% or higher |
Normal Hemoglobin A1c Level in Diabetic patient:
The target level of Hemoglobin A1c in diabetic patients depends on several factors, including:
- Patient’s goals.
- Patient’s diabetes history.
- The general health of the patient.
- Accessibility to diabetes medications and management tools.
Therefore, the doctor and the patient determine the target range based on the factors above. However, the American Diabetes Association recommends that the target level for diabetic patients be 7% or lower, as higher percentages increase the risk of diabetes complications.
And the Hemoglobin A1c goals may be above 7% (typically range between 7 – 8%) if the patient has:(3)(5)(1)
- Limited life expectancy.
- Long-standing diabetes and trouble reaching a lower goal.
- Episodes of severe hypoglycemia or inability to sense hypoglycemia.
- Advanced complications of diabetes, such as cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, or nerve problems.
Normal Hemoglobin A1c Level in Pregnant Women with Diabetes
Healthcare providers recommend that pregnant women with type 1 diabetes maintain Hemoglobin A1c levels of less than 6.5% throughout the pregnancy. (5)
Explanation of Normal Hemoglobin A1c Test Readings
The sugar in the body is known as glucose, and when this sugar accumulates in the body, it binds to hemoglobin, which is present in red blood cells and responsible for oxygen transport. Therefore, the test measures the glucose level in the blood over the previous three months since red blood cells live for only three months.
The Hemoglobin A1c level is higher when glucose levels have been elevated recently.
The following table illustrates the average blood sugar in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) for all Hemoglobin A1c readings:(3)
| Hemoglobin A1c Level (%) | Average Blood Sugar in mg/dL | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 68 | Non-diabetic |
| 5 | 97 | Less than 5.7, non-diabetic 5.7 or higher, Prediabetes |
| 6 | 126 | Less than 6.5, prediabetes 6.5 or higher, Diabetes |
| 7 | 152 | Diabetes |
| 8 | 183 | Diabetes |
| 9 | 212 | Diabetes |
| 10 | 240 | Diabetes |
| 11 | 269 | Diabetes |
| 12 | 298 | Diabetes |
| 13 | 326 | Diabetes |
| 14 | 355 | Diabetes |
Are Hemoglobin A1C tests accurate?
Several factors can affect the accuracy of Hemoglobin A1c test results, leading to elevated or lowered readings. These factors include:(5)
- Genetics.
- Medical conditions.
- Medications or dietary supplements.
- Errors in sample collection, transportation, or processing.
Therefore, do not hesitate to visit any Al-Borg Diagnostics branches to perform the Hemoglobin A1c test as part of the Diabetes Care package. This test and other diabetes-related tests are served with high accuracy and efficiency.
References:
- https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diagnostic-tests/a1c-test#:~:text=A%20normal%20A1C%20level%20is%20below%205.7%20percent.
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/a1c-test/about/pac-20384643
- https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/guide/glycated-hemoglobin-test-hba1c
- https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/managing/managing-blood-sugar/a1c.html
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/9731-a1c
