Red blood cells circulating in the body contain a molecule known as hemoglobin, which transports oxygen. If glucose, or sugar, is stuck to the hemoglobin, it is called glycated hemoglobin. The A1c test measures the percentage of red blood cells with glucose attached to the hemoglobin.
Healthy Adults
The MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia considers an A1c of 6 percent or lower to be normal. When A1c rises above 6.5 percent, a person is considered diabetic.
Diabetics
Diabetics should monitor A1c levels and strive for levels of glycated hemoglobin below 7 percent. According to the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial, as A1c is lowered, the risks of diabetic complications such as eye, nerve and heart disease is significantly reduced.
Geriatric Patients
The American Geriatric Society recommends individualized target A1c levels for each patient. For healthy older adults, the AGS recommends an A1C level of 7 percent or lower. For frail individuals, A1c levels of 8 percent or lower is acceptable, as the risks of stringent glycemic control may outweigh the benefits.
