Understanding A1C Levels: What Is A Dangerous Level Of A1C?

The A1C test, also known as the glycated hemoglobin test, is a crucial blood test that provides a snapshot of your average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months. Unlike a daily blood sugar reading that fluctuates, the A1C level offers a more stable and reliable indicator of long-term blood glucose control. Understanding your A1C levels is vital for both diagnosing and managing diabetes, and it helps in preventing serious complications associated with uncontrolled blood sugar. This article will delve into what A1C levels mean, what constitutes a dangerous level, and what steps you can take to maintain healthy levels.

The A1C test measures the percentage of hemoglobin in your blood that is coated with sugar (glucose). When glucose levels are high, more glucose binds to hemoglobin, resulting in a higher A1C percentage. This percentage directly correlates with your average blood glucose levels over the preceding weeks, allowing doctors to assess the effectiveness of a diabetes treatment plan and the risk of diabetes-related complications.

A1C Level	Average Blood Glucose Level (mg/dL)	Interpretation
Below 5.7%	Below 117 mg/dL	Normal
5.7% - 6.4%	117 - 139 mg/dL	Prediabetes
6.5% or Higher	140 mg/dL or Higher	Diabetes

The Significance of A1C Testing

Regular A1C testing is a cornerstone of diabetes care for several reasons:

• Diagnosis: An A1C test can be used to diagnose type 2 diabetes and prediabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), an A1C of 6.5% or higher indicates diabetes, while a level between 5.7% and 6.4% indicates prediabetes.
• Monitoring: For people with diagnosed diabetes, A1C testing helps in monitoring the effectiveness of treatment plans. Frequent tests can identify if a treatment plan is working or if adjustments are needed.
• Risk Assessment: Elevated A1C levels can indicate an increased risk of diabetes complications, such as cardiovascular disease, neuropathy, and kidney damage.
• Proactive Management: Regular testing and maintaining healthy A1C levels can significantly reduce the risk of these serious complications, leading to improved health outcomes and quality of life.

What Constitutes a Dangerous A1C Level?

A "dangerous" A1C level is generally considered to be 8.0% or higher. This level signifies significant hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) over an extended period and increases the risk of developing severe long-term complications. The specific level considered dangerous, though, can vary slightly depending on individual circumstances such as age and coexisting health conditions.

An A1C level above 8.0% is typically associated with:

• Increased Risk of Microvascular Complications: These include damage to the small blood vessels in the eyes (retinopathy), kidneys (nephropathy), does water help regulate blood sugar and nerves (neuropathy). Diabetic retinopathy can lead to blindness, while nephropathy can result in kidney failure, and neuropathy can lead to pain and loss of sensation.
• Higher Risk of Macrovascular Complications: This refers to damage to the larger blood vessels that can result in heart disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease (PAD). These complications can lead to debilitating conditions, including heart attacks and limb amputations.
• Slower Wound Healing: High glucose levels can impair the body’s ability to heal, which can cause severe complications and infections that may require surgical intervention.
• Increased Susceptibility to Infections: Persistent high blood sugar can weaken the immune system, making people more vulnerable to various infections.

The Link Between A1C and Average Blood Glucose

It's critical to understand the correlation between your A1C percentage and your average blood glucose level. While A1C shows an average over several months, it’s directly reflective of your day-to-day sugar levels.

A1C Level	Estimated Average Glucose Level
6%	126 mg/dL
7%	154 mg/dL
8%	183 mg/dL
9%	212 mg/dL
10%	240 mg/dL
11%	269 mg/dL
12%	298 mg/dL

This table shows that the higher your A1C level, the higher your average blood sugar, and therefore the greater risk you face. Maintaining a low but stable blood sugar is paramount.

Actions To Take When Faced With High A1C Levels

If you’ve received A1C test results that indicate elevated levels, it's crucial to take prompt machine to test blood sugar and decisive action. Here's how to address the issue proactively:

1. Consult Your Doctor: If your A1C is higher than the recommended levels, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional or an endocrinologist who can review your case and provide appropriate recommendations tailored to your condition. This may involve adjusting your medication or treatment plan.
2. Follow Dietary Recommendations: Follow a diet that is low in simple sugars, processed foods, and saturated fats. Instead, prioritize high-fiber foods, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Consult a registered dietitian for tailored meal plans if needed.
3. Incorporate Regular Physical Activity: Exercise helps lower blood sugar levels and improves insulin sensitivity. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity most days of the week. Regular walking, jogging, swimming, or other activities you enjoy can be very beneficial.
4. Medication Adherence: If prescribed medication to manage diabetes, make sure to follow your doctor’s directions regarding dosage and timing. If you’re experiencing side effects or suspect a medication is not working, immediately reach out to your healthcare team for necessary adjustments.
5. Regular Monitoring of Blood Glucose Levels: Frequently checking your blood sugar levels using a home monitor can provide valuable insight into how your body responds to meals and medication. Use this data to make needed adjustments.
6. Stress Management: Chronic stress can impact blood sugar levels, so incorporate stress management techniques such as yoga, meditation, deep breathing exercises, or leisurely hobbies to manage your stress effectively.
7. Lifestyle Adjustments: Address lifestyle factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol intake, and inadequate sleep, as these can worsen insulin resistance and elevate blood sugar levels.

Case Study: carbohydrates blood sugar A Real-World Example

John, a 55-year-old with type 2 diabetes, initially had an A1C of 9.2%. His doctor advised lifestyle changes, including a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean protein, as well as at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. John was also diligent with his prescribed medication. After six months of strict adherence to his plan, John’s A1C level was measured at 6.8%. This case shows how combining lifestyle changes and medication adherence can help drastically reduce dangerous A1C levels.

Preventing High A1C Levels

Prevention is always preferable to treatment. Even without a diagnosis of diabetes, lifestyle choices play an important role in keeping A1C levels in check:

• Balanced Diet: Focus on whole, unprocessed foods and keep a close eye on portion sizes, with special attention to carb intake.
• Regular Exercise: Stay active most days of the week, mixing cardiovascular activity with resistance training.
• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Losing weight if overweight or obese can significantly improve insulin sensitivity and help lower A1C levels.
• Regular Check-Ups: Ensure you have routine blood tests, including A1C tests, so you can identify and manage elevated levels promptly.
• Stress Management: Utilize effective techniques such as meditation, yoga, or spending time outdoors to help mitigate the adverse impacts of stress on blood glucose levels.

Conclusion

Understanding your A1C level is paramount for effective diabetes management and for preventing related complications. Knowing what constitutes a dangerous A1C level—generally 8.0% or higher—and implementing proactive steps to manage it can significantly improve your health and well-being. Whether you have diabetes or not, keeping your A1C within the recommended range through a balanced diet, consistent physical activity, stress management, and regular check-ups, is key for long-term health. If you receive test results that indicate concerning A1C levels, seek immediate advice from a healthcare provider to tailor a plan to address your specific needs. By actively engaging in your health management, you can significantly lower your risk and lead a healthier life.

In this episode 6 of a 6-part series on fitness, exercise and performance with Andy Galpin, PhD, professor of kinesiology at California State University, Fullerton, he explains optimal nutrition, hydration and supplementation to achieve your fitness goals. We cover macronutrient guidelines, when to eat relative to training and training fasted versus fed. Dr. Galpin describes proper hydration for before and during exercise, how dehydration and/or low electrolyte concentrations impede physical and mental performance. He discusses what supplements work best for fitness and performance, how to decide which to take, if any, and when to take them. He also shares high-impact, lower-cost supplements and nutrition recommendations to benefit performance, recovery, and sleep. This episode also includes an audience Q&A. Overall, it is an in-depth but clear discussion of nutrition strategies and supplements that can help anyone improve their level of fitness physical and mental performance. #HubermanLab #Nutrition #Science Thank you to our sponsors AG1 (Athletic Greens): Levels: LMNT: InsideTracker: Supplements from Momentous Huberman Lab Social & Website Instagram: Twitter: Facebook: TikTok: LinkedIn: Website: Newsletter: Dr. Andy Galpin Academic Profile: Website: Twitter: Instagram: YouTube: Articles Meta-Analysis Examining the Importance of Creatine Ingestion Strategies on Lean Tissue Mass and Strength in Older Adults: Other Resources Examine: Absolute Rest: Reveri: Timestamps 00:00:00 Nutrition & Supplementation 00:05:16 Creatine Supplementation, Muscle & Cognitive Function, Loading Phase 00:16:51 Momentous, Levels, LMNT 00:20:31 Dehydration, Overhydration, Night Urination 00:35:37 Tool: Hydration, Caffeine & Electrolytes 00:41:22 Tool: Sweating, Salt & Performance 00:48:57 AG1 (Athletic Greens) 00:49:49 Galpin Equation for Hydration & Exercise, Focus 00:55:28 Tool: 5 Steps to Optimize Hydration, Sipping Water, W.U.T. Status, Salt 01:10:58 Electrolytes, Carbohydrates & Exercise 01:15:44 InsideTracker 01:16:47 Training Fasted versus Fed, Caffeine, Carbohydrate Timing 01:25:13 Caffeine & Endurance 01:31:20 Citrulline, Beet Root Juice & Performance; Alpha-GPC & Focus, Nootropics 01:35:43 Rhodiola, Cortisol & Fatigue 01:39:55 Tool: Supplement Formulations 01:47:31 Supplements, Dependency & Root Cause; Foundational Behaviors 01:57:44 Acute vs. Chronic Effects, Supplements & Gut Microbiome 02:02:33 Tool: Sleep Environment, Absolute Rest 02:11:03 Tools: Sleep & Disturbances, Inositol 02:20:03 Tool: “Fitness Fatigue” Model, Taper, Anti-Inflammatory Supplements 02:26:33 Exercise Recovery: Curcumin, Omega 3s, Glutamine, Nutrition, Vitamins 02:39:27 Intermittent Fasting, Training & Keto Diets; GABA 02:43:39 Carbohydrate Loading; Amino Acid Supplements; “Anabolic Window” 02:47:23 Garlic; Tart Cherry Extract; Examine.com 02:51:50 Fitness Testing, Training Programs; Exercise Recovery 03:04:13 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube Feedback, Spotify & Apple Reviews, Sponsors, Neural Network Newsletter Title Card Photo Credit: Mike Blabac - The Huberman Lab podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such conditions.