Glycated hemoglobin is formed when blood sugar, or glucose, attaches to hemoglobin. The hemoglobin A1c, or HbA1c, is a blood test performed by a physician to determine the amount of glycated hemoglobin in the blood. Low levels of glycated hemoglobin reduce the risk of developing eye, heart and kidney disease, and reduces the risk of stroke.
Healthy Adults
Healthy adults should strive to maintain their HbA1c levels at 6 percent or lower.
Diabetics
According to MedlinePlus, a patient with a HbA1c level of 6.5 percent or higher is diagnosed with diabetes. Diabetics are counseled to keep HbA1c levels below 7 percent.
Abnormal Results
MedlinePlus notes that consistent results of 7 percent or higher may mean that diabetes control is less than optimal. Elevated HbA1c increases the risk of diabetic complications.
