What is the general A1C goal set by the American Diabetes Association for nonpregnant adults?

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) sets a general A1C goal of 7.0% for nonpregnant adults. This target is based on evidence suggesting that maintaining an A1C level at or below this percentage can help reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications, including microvascular and macrovascular diseases.

An A1C level of 7.0% is considered a balancing point where the benefits of lowering blood sugar levels to prevent complications outweigh the potential risks of more intensive diabetes management, such as increased occurrences of hypoglycemia. Individualized goals may be appropriate depending on various factors such as age, comorbidities, duration of diabetes, and personal preferences, but 7.0% serves as the standard benchmark for many nonpregnant adults with diabetes.

Understanding this goal helps healthcare providers and patients engage in informed discussions about diabetes management strategies while focusing on achieving optimal health outcomes.