What is a Dangerous Level of A1C?

What A1C Level Is Dangerous? Thresholds & Diabetes Complications

An A1C blood test indicates how well blood sugar has been controlled over the past two or three months. It is a test for people who have diabetes. The test helps doctors to understand how well a person’s diabetes is managed. There are different levels of A1C. Read on to understand what such levels mean and why it becomes crucial to maintain a healthy range.

What is A1C?

A1C measures the average level of glucose (sugar) in the blood over a few months. The test measures how much glucose is there in haemoglobin, which refers to the protein present in red blood cells.

When the glucose levels are too high, more glucose attaches to haemoglobin. By checking your A1C level, doctors can get an idea of your blood sugar control.

What are normal A1C levels?

For people without diabetes, the A1C level is generally below 5.7%. This means that their blood sugar is within a healthy range. These people have a lower risk of developing diabetes. Now, if the A1C level falls between the range of 5.7% and 6.4%, it indicates prediabetes.

The goal for diabetic people is to keep the A1C level below 7%. However, the percentage may vary according to the age, overall health and how well they are managing the condition. It is always recommended to follow a doctor's advice about a particular target range.

What are Dangerous A1C Levels?

A1C levels of 6.5% or higher are considered to be a threshold for diabetes. After the levels reach 6.5% or above, it becomes important to start monitoring blood sugar carefully to prevent complications. Here are a few level indicators of A1C:

• A1C above 8% : A level of A1C above 8% means that blood sugar has consistently been high over the past months. It is a sign of diabetes that is not under control. At such a level, a person is at a higher risk of developing complications like eye problems, nerve damage, and kidney disease.
• A1C above 10% : When the AIC level is above 10%, it indicates a serious concern, as it greatly increases the risk of complications. People who have A1C levels above 10% might experience drastic symptoms like frequent urination, excessive thirst, and blurred vision. The risk of long-term damage to organs like the kidneys and heart also becomes greater at this level.
• A1C above 12% : An indicator of a 12% A1C level indicates prolonged severe hyperglycemia. At this point, a person develops a real risk of getting DKA or diabetic ketoacidosis. It is a life-threatening condition.

What to Do if the A1C Level is Too High?

Here are a few steps to take if the A1C level is too high:

• Keep track of blood sugar levels to see whether they are in the target range.
• Have a healthy and balanced diet with plenty of fibre and less sugar.
• Indulge in regular exercise to regulate insulin sensitivity.
• Get regular check-ups to keep track of progress made.
• Take diabetes medication as prescribed by the doctor.

A dangerous A1C level can lead to serious health problems. With the right care and attention, you can work to keep A1C levels within a healthy range. It is recommended to speak to a doctor for guidance on monitoring blood sugar levels.