High A1c: What It Means and What to Do Next
A high A1c means your average blood sugar has been elevated over the past 2-3 months. An A1c of 5.7-6.4% indicates prediabetes; 6.5% or higher indicates diabetes. Prediabetes is often reversible with lifestyle changes, and diabetes is manageable with treatment.
What Causes High HbA1c?
Type 2 Diabetes
Your body has become resistant to insulin or doesn't produce enough, causing chronically elevated blood sugar.
Prediabetes
Blood sugar is higher than normal but not yet in the diabetic range. Affects 96 million American adults.
Insulin Resistance
Your cells don't respond effectively to insulin, forcing your pancreas to produce more. Often precedes prediabetes.
Medications
Corticosteroids, some antipsychotics, and certain other medications can raise blood sugar and A1c.
Associated Symptoms
What to Do Next
1. Retest to confirm
A single abnormal result should be confirmed with a repeat test. Temporary factors like stress, illness, or medications can affect results.
2. Related tests to consider
3. When to see a doctor
If your HbA1c is significantly abnormal, if you have severe symptoms, or if repeated results confirm the abnormality, consult a healthcare professional for appropriate evaluation and treatment.
Related Conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
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This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider for interpretation of your results.
Content reviewed for accuracy by the JustLabs editorial team.