HbA1c ranges define normal, prediabetes, and diabetes?

HbA1c ranges define normal, prediabetes, and diabetes?

• A. Normal <5.0%; Prediabetes 5.0–5.9%; Diabetes ≥6.0%
• B. Normal <5.7%; Prediabetes 5.7–6.4%; Diabetes ≥6.5%
• C. Normal <6.0%; Prediabetes 6.0–6.9%; Diabetes ≥7.0%
• D. Normal <5.5%; Prediabetes 5.5–6.0%; Diabetes ≥6.0%

Answer: (B)

HbA1c shows how much glucose has attached to hemoglobin over the past 2–3 months, giving a snapshot of average blood sugar without fasting. The standard thresholds used to interpret HbA1c are: normal is below 5.7%, prediabetes is 5.7% to 6.4%, and diabetes is 6.5% or higher. This set aligns with how clinicians categorize glycemic status and guide management. A single HbA1c ≥6.5% is often confirmed with a second test to diagnose diabetes, since lab variability can occur. The other ranges don’t match these widely accepted cutoffs, so they don’t fit the diagnostic criteria.

HbA1c shows how much glucose has attached to hemoglobin over the past 2–3 months, giving a snapshot of average blood sugar without fasting. The standard thresholds used to interpret HbA1c are: normal is below 5.7%, prediabetes is 5.7% to 6.4%, and diabetes is 6.5% or higher. This set aligns with how clinicians categorize glycemic status and guide management. A single HbA1c ≥6.5% is often confirmed with a second test to diagnose diabetes, since lab variability can occur. The other ranges don’t match these widely accepted cutoffs, so they don’t fit the diagnostic criteria.