what is a dangerous level of a1c

An A1C test measures the average blood sugar levels over the past 2 to 3 months. A normal A1C level is below 5.7%, a level of 5.7% to 6.4% indicates prediabetes, and a level of 6.5% or more indicates diabetes. An A1C of 6.5% or higher indicates diabetes, and dangerous levels of A1C are 9% and higher. The higher the A1C levels, especially if they’re consistently high over several years, the more likely you’ll develop complications, such as kidney disease, eye disease, and nerve damage. People with diabetes should aim to keep their A1C levels below 7%, and healthcare providers typically recommend that people with Type 1 diabetes who are pregnant try to maintain an A1C of 6.5% or lower throughout their pregnancy. If a person’s A1C level is above their target, a doctor can provide suggestions to help lower it and reduce the risk of potential complications.