Pharmacy Clinical Pearl of the Day: A1C Levels and Diabetes

Author(s):

Saro Arakelians, PharmD

Patients at risk for diabetes should try to focus on adhering to their medications, diet and exercise to reduce their blood sugars, which will decrease their A1C levels.

Per the guidelines from American Diabetes Association, A1C target ranges are:

Less than 5.7% means normal
Between 5.7% and 6.4% means prediabetes
6.5% or higher means diabetes

Explanation:

If your A1C level is between 5.7 and 6.4%, your levels are in the prediabetes range.
If you have an A1C level of 6.5% or higher, your levels are in the diabetes range.
Patients at risk for diabetes should try to focus on adhering to their medications, diet and exercise to reduce their blood sugars, which will decrease their A1C levels.

Reference: Understanding A1C | ADA (diabetes.org)