How to read HbA1c and blood sugar results
Quick answer: To read HbA1c and blood sugar results, check your HbA1c, check fasting sugar and check post-meal sugar.
- Check your HbA1c. Below 5.7% is normal, 5.7–6.4% is the prediabetes range, and 6.5% or more is the diabetes range.
- Check fasting sugar. 70–99 mg/dL is normal, 100–125 is the prediabetes range, and 126 or more is the diabetes range.
- Check post-meal sugar. Two hours after a glucose drink, under 140 mg/dL is normal and 200 or more is the diabetes range.
What HbA1c shows
HbA1c measures how much sugar has stuck to your red blood cells over the past 2–3 months, so it reflects your average blood sugar rather than a single moment. Anaemia, recent blood loss and some hemoglobin variants can make it less accurate.
Prediabetes can be reversed
Losing 5–7% of body weight, being active for about 150 minutes a week and cutting sugary drinks and refined carbs can bring blood sugar back to normal for many people. A diagnosis of diabetes is usually confirmed with a second test.
Important
This tool explains results in plain words; it can't diagnose anything. Your doctor reads them alongside your symptoms, history and medicines.
Frequently asked questions
Is HbA1c 6.0 diabetes?
No. 6.0% is in the prediabetes range (5.7–6.4%). It's a signal to act on diet, activity and weight, and to retest as your doctor advises.
What is 48 mmol/mol in %?
About 6.5%. The checker converts the IFCC unit (mmol/mol) to % automatically.
When is blood sugar dangerously low?
Below 54 mg/dL (3.0 mmol/L) is significantly low. Take fast sugar if you can and get medical help, especially if you're on insulin or diabetes tablets.
Are my results uploaded or stored?
No. The report is read inside your browser, on your device. Nothing is sent to a server or saved after you close the page.