What is considered a normal range for A1c?

The normal range for hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is typically considered to be between 4.0% and 5.6%. Values within this range indicate a healthy level of blood glucose and reflect good metabolic control. An A1c of 5.7% to 6.4% suggests a risk for developing diabetes, known as prediabetes, while a reading of 6.5% or higher is indicative of diabetes.

While the range of 4.0% to 5.5% is recognized as a guideline, it is important to note that values at the upper end of this range can suggest other potential health concerns, depending on individual medical history and risk factors. Thus, the correct value for normal A1c reflects values up to 5.6%, aligning with diabetes management and prevention criteria.

In contrast, the other options fall outside the defined normal range for A1c. For example, the ranges that start at 5.5% include possible prediabetes or diabetes diagnosis, while even lower ranges like 3.5%-4.0% are not typically used in clinical settings for assessing normal glucose metabolism. Understanding these categories is crucial for evaluating patients' health status and