At what HgA1c level should diabetes be diagnosed?

The diagnosis of diabetes is typically made when a person's HbA1c level reaches or exceeds 6.5%. This threshold has been established by various health organizations, including the American Diabetes Association, based on research indicating that levels at or above this percentage correlate with a higher risk of developing diabetes-related complications.

An HbA1c level of 6.5% reflects an average blood glucose level that is consistent with diabetes over the preceding two to three months. It is important for clinicians and patients to recognize this value as a critical indicator, as early diagnosis can lead to timely interventions that help manage the condition.

While lower values, such as 5.7% or 6.0%, may indicate an increased risk of developing diabetes—often referred to as prediabetes—they do not meet the diagnostic criteria for diabetes itself. An HbA1c of 7.0% is often used as a target for glycemic control in individuals already diagnosed with diabetes but is not used for the diagnosis itself. Therefore, the adherence to the 6.5% threshold for diagnosis is a key aspect of effectively identifying and addressing diabetes.