The A1C test, also known as the glycated hemoglobin or HbA1c test, measures your average blood sugar levels over the preceding two to three months. Healthcare providers use this test to screen for the risk of developing diabetes and to monitor existing conditions. The result is expressed as a percentage, indicating how much glucose has attached to the hemoglobin protein in your red blood cells.
Defining the A1C Categories
A1C test results are categorized into ranges that determine an individual’s risk status for diabetes. The normal range is below 5.7%. The pre-diabetes range begins at 5.7% and extends up to 6.4%, signaling blood sugar levels that are higher than normal but not yet high enough for a full diagnosis. This intermediate range indicates a significantly increased risk of progressing to type 2 diabetes. A result of 6.5% or higher on two separate tests is the threshold used to diagnose diabetes.
Interpreting an A1C of 5.6
An A1C result of 5.6% falls within the upper limit of the normal range, defined as anything below 5.7% by the American Diabetes Association (ADA). This result reflects good long-term blood glucose control. However, because 5.6% is directly adjacent to the pre-diabetes threshold of 5.7%, it is considered a high-normal result.
While 5.6% is not a diagnosis of pre-diabetes, it suggests the individual is metabolically close to the at-risk category. This proximity acts as an early warning sign, especially if other risk factors exist, such as a family history of diabetes or excess weight. The reading indicates that the body is managing glucose well, but there is little margin before levels drift into the pre-diabetes zone.
This result presents an opportunity for proactive health maintenance. Maintaining a 5.6% level is important for preventing the onset of type 2 diabetes and its associated complications, which include cardiovascular issues. Individuals with a high-normal A1C may already exhibit some degree of insulin resistance, where the body’s cells do not respond effectively to insulin.
Lifestyle Changes for Pre-diabetes
Because an A1C of 5.6% is near the pre-diabetes range, adopting preventive lifestyle changes helps ensure the number stays in the healthy zone. Modest weight loss is highly impactful; losing 5% to 7% of body weight can significantly reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Focusing on permanent changes to eating and exercise habits is more effective than short-term dieting.
Physical activity directly improves the body’s use of insulin. A recommended goal is at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise each week, such as brisk walking. This activity helps muscles use up excess blood sugar and improves insulin sensitivity.
Dietary modifications should prioritize reducing refined sugars and simple carbohydrates, which cause rapid spikes in blood glucose. Incorporate fiber-rich foods, such as whole grains, vegetables, and fruits, as fiber slows down sugar absorption. Managing portion sizes, especially for carbohydrate-heavy meals, also makes a substantial difference.
Required Follow-Up and Testing Schedule
Even with a normal A1C of 5.6%, discussing a personalized monitoring plan with your healthcare provider is important. The frequency of future testing depends on individual risk factors, including age, weight, and family history. For those in the normal range with risk factors, screening every three years is recommended.
If the A1C falls into the pre-diabetes range (5.7% to 6.4%), the test should be repeated at least annually to monitor for progression. The physician may order other tests for a complete picture of glucose metabolism. These include a Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) test or an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT), which tracks how your body processes sugar.
Regular medical oversight catches any upward trend in blood sugar early and allows the doctor to assess progress.