HbA1c - Test and Interpretation

 

HbA1c  - 5.7

What does an A1c level of 5.7 mean? 

An A1c level of 5.7 means that 5.7% of the hemoglobin in your blood is saturated with sugar. 

An A1c of 5.7 is considered elevated and means your blood sugar levels have been raised over the last few months. 

Elevated A1c levels of 5.7-6.4 percent are considered prediabetes. There is risk for developing diabetes. 

Diet and lifestyle changes may be effective for getting your levels back into the optimal range without the need for medications. You can lowering your A1c back into the optimal range (4-5.6%). 

One possible sign of prediabetes is a darkening of the skin and sometimes skin tags on certain parts of the body including the neck, armpits, elbows, knuckles, and knees.  Common symptoms of diabetes that are important to be aware of include increased thirst, frequent urination, excess hunger, unintentional weight loss, fatigue, and/or blurred vision.

Factors that could contribute to an A1c level of 5.7: 

Diet, particularly those high in refined carbohydrates and added sugars, and low in fiber.

Overweight/ obesity

Sedentary lifestyle 

Age

Race (people of Black, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, Asian American, or Pacific Islander descent are at greater risk for prediabetes/ diabetes.)

Stress

Use of certain medications, including glucocorticoids

Genetics (family history of pre-diabetes or diabetes)

Pregnancy

Chronic disease/ inflammation 

What to do if your A1c level is 5.7?

Making changes to your diet. 

Be active every day: Aim for 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week (about 30 minutes 5 days per week). 

Fill half of your plate with non-starchy veggies at every meal, and incorporate a source of lean protein and plant-based fat to assist with blood sugar control. 

Limit refined carbohydrates and added sugar, and choose whole-grain carbohydrates such as whole wheat bread/ pasta, quinoa, farro, and steel-cut oats, instead. 

Lose excess weight if you are overweight or obese

Manage stress and get adequate sleep to help balance hormone levels that can impact blood sugar

Medications used to improve A1c results

Although the American Diabetes Association and the Endocrine Society recommend a medication called metformin for the treatment of prediabetes, medications are typically not prescribed for an A1c level of 5.7. 

https://www.elo.health/biomarkers/hba1c-overview/57/

Interesting information on prediabetes

https://sweetlife.org.za/how-to-reverse-type-2-diabetes/