What is the recommended target range for A1c in most adults with diabetes?

The recommended target range for A1c in most adults with diabetes is below 7%. This goal is supported by various diabetes management guidelines, which suggest that maintaining an A1c level below this threshold can significantly reduce the risk of developing diabetes-related complications, such as cardiovascular disease, neuropathy, nephropathy, and retinopathy.

Setting the A1c target at below 7% is particularly important because it balances the benefits of strict glucose control with the risks of potential adverse effects, such as hypoglycemia, which can occur if patients aim for too low of a target. In general, individualized approaches may adjust this target further, based on the patient's age, comorbidities, duration of diabetes, and risk of hypoglycemia.

In contrast, targets above this level do not provide the protective benefits necessary to reduce complications effectively. Values below 5% or between 5% and 6% generally pertain to non-diabetic populations, indicating that a lower percentage does not apply to those diagnosed with diabetes as a management goal. It is crucial for patients with diabetes to work with their healthcare providers to determine the most appropriate target for their personal situation within the recommended framework.