Glossary term

HbA1c

Also known as Hemoglobin A1c - Glycated hemoglobin - A1c

Your 90-day glucose average. Under 5.7% normal, 5.7-6.4% prediabetes, 6.5%+ diabetes.

Hemoglobin A1c reflects the percentage of red blood cells with glycated hemoglobin and tracks average blood glucose over roughly 90 days. ADA thresholds: under 5.7% is normal, 5.7-6.4% is prediabetes, 6.5% or higher meets diabetes criteria. A1c sits downstream of fasting insulin - insulin resistance often shows up 2-5 years earlier on insulin and HOMA-IR. GLP-1 therapy typically drops A1c 1.5-2.4% at max dose. Run it in the Advanced panel with fasting insulin and ApoB for the full metabolic picture.

Symbol

HbA1c

Unit

%

Typical range

Normal <5.7%, prediabetes 5.7-6.4%, diabetes ≥6.5% (ADA).

Medically reviewed byDr. Lena Okafor, MD

Medical Director - updated April 2026 - How we review