A person is classified as having diabetes if their A1C is?

A person is classified as having diabetes if their A1C is 6.5% or higher. The A1C test measures the average blood glucose levels over the past two to three months, providing a clear picture of how well blood sugar levels are being controlled. The threshold of 6.5% is based on the criteria set by organizations such as the American Diabetes Association, which indicates that at this level, a person is likely to have diabetes and is at increased risk for complications associated with high blood glucose levels.

The other A1C ranges listed help identify normal blood sugar levels or prediabetes, but do not indicate diabetes. An A1C of less than 5.7% is considered normal, while a range between 5.7% and 6.4% indicates prediabetes, which is a warning sign that the individual may develop diabetes in the future if interventions are not made. Thus, the classification for diabetes begins at 6.5% or higher.