HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin) reflects average blood glucose over the past 8–12 weeks. More reliable than a single glucose reading.
One-line summary
Healthy adult HbA1c < 5.7%. 5.7–6.4% prediabetes, ≥ 6.5% diabetes. Diabetes patients aim for < 7.0%.
Reference table
| HbA1c (%) | eAG (mg/dL) | Class |
|---|---|---|
| < 5.7 | < 117 | Normal |
| 5.7–6.4 | 117–137 | Prediabetes |
| 6.5–7.0 | 140–154 | Diabetes · Good control |
| 7.1–8.0 | 157–183 | Diabetes · Moderate |
| > 9.0 | > 212 | Very poor |
eAG formula
eAG (mg/dL) = 28.7 × HbA1c − 46.7
Example: HbA1c 7.0% ≈ eAG 154 mg/dL
Age-based targets
| Group | Target |
|---|---|
| Healthy adult | < 5.7% |
| Most diabetes patients | < 7.0% |
| Elderly + comorbidities | 7.0–8.0% |
| Pregnancy planning | < 6.5% |
How to lower HbA1c
- Improve carb quality
- 10-min post-meal walks
- 150 min/week cardio + 2 days resistance
- 25–30 g fiber
- 7–9 hours sleep
- Medication adherence
- Real-time CGM feedback
Frequently asked questions
What should HbA1c be?
Healthy < 5.7%. Prediabetes 5.7–6.4%. Diabetes ≥ 6.5%. Most diabetes patients target < 7.0%.
Is HbA1c 6 high?
Yes — that's prediabetes range. Reversible with lifestyle changes.
How often is HbA1c tested?
Every 3 months for active diabetes, every 6 months when stable, annually for at-risk adults.
How do I convert HbA1c to eAG?
eAG (mg/dL) = 28.7 × HbA1c − 46.7. HbA1c 7.0% ≈ 154 mg/dL.
Medical disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not replace individual medical advice.