What serum level of glycosylated hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) is indicative of adequate diabetic control?

A glycosylated hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) level of 7% is widely recognized as a threshold for adequate diabetic control. This target reflects the average blood glucose levels over the past two to three months and is associated with a reduced risk of diabetes-related complications.

Maintaining HbA1C at or below this level helps to ensure that patients effectively manage their diabetes, promoting better overall health outcomes. While levels lower than 7% can indicate even better control, achieving this target is generally considered a reasonable goal for most adults with diabetes.

A level of 6% is often seen as ideal but may not be attainable for everyone and could increase the risk of hypoglycemia in some patients if pursued too aggressively. Levels above 7% indicate inadequate diabetic management, which can lead to increased risk of complications such as neuropathy, nephropathy, and cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, the correct understanding of target HbA1C levels is crucial for effective diabetes management.