Glycated hemoglobin; Glycosylated hemoglobin; Hemoglobin - glycosylated; A1C; GHb; Glycohemoglobin; Diabetic control index

An HbA1c of 6% or less is normal.

If your it is above 6.5%, you may be diagnosed with diabetes.

If you have diabetes, try to keep your level at or below 7%. But you and your health care provider must decide what a normal level is for you.

Talk with your doctor about the meaning of your test results.

Abnormal results mean that your blood glucose levels have been above normal over weeks to months.

If your level is above 7%, your diabetes control may not be as good as it should be.

High values mean you are at greater risk of problems from having diabetes. If you can bring your level down, you lower your chances of long-term complications.

Ask your doctor how often you should have your level tested. Usually, doctors recommend testing every 3 or 6 months.

Review Date: 04/26/2011
Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. Editorial: David Zieve, MD, MHA, and David R. Eltz. Previously reviewed by Ari S. Eckman, MD, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (4/19/2010).

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)