Which laboratory value is consistent with a diagnosis of diabetes?

A hemoglobin A1C level of 7.2% aligns with the diagnostic criteria for diabetes as established by the American Diabetes Association. According to these guidelines, a diagnosis of diabetes can be confirmed with an A1C level of 6.5% or higher. This test reflects the average blood glucose levels over the past two to three months and is a critical tool in assessing long-term glycemic control.

While an A1C of 6.5% is the lower threshold for diagnosing diabetes, any value above that, such as 7.2%, further indicates a clear deviation from normal glucose metabolism, supporting a diabetes diagnosis. Values below this threshold, like 5.7%, are considered normal, and even 6.5% is at the cusp, indicating prediabetes rather than full diabetes. An A1C of 8.5% would also confirm a case of diabetes but represents a more severe level of hyperglycemia. Thus, 7.2% is the most definitive figure showcasing a diagnosis of diabetes within the options provided.