What does an HbA1c level of 6.2 mean?
An HbA1c level (or average blood sugar level over a 2–3 month period) of 6.2 or (6.2%) means that your blood glucose level is elevated. HbA1c is a blood test showing what percentage of red blood cells have glucose molecules (or blood sugar) attached to them. Having less than 5.7% of red blood cells coated with glucose is normal. A rate of 6.2 means you are in the prediabetes range, along with approximately 98 million other adults in the United States. You should consult with your health provider to reduce your blood sugar before developing type 2 diabetes.
What signs and symptoms are associated with an HbA1c level of 6.2?
A person with an HbA1c level of 6.2 will not necessarily show any signs or symptoms of prediabetes. That doesn't mean that prediabetes is a benign condition. Heart disease risk is elevated even for someone with an HbA1c level of 6.2. Occasionally, an individual with a prediabetes diagnosis will experience diabetes-related complications such as a retinal bleed, neuropathy or even a stroke. The silent and insidious nature of prediabetes is why anyone with an HbA1c level of 6.2 should immediately consult their health care provider.
What can I do to lower my HbA1c from 6.2?
If you have an HbA1c level (or average blood sugar level over a 2–3 month period) of 6.2, Virta can help you reverse your prediabetes. By making healthy lifestyle changes in a medical setting to reduce your carbohydrate intake, Virta can help you feel like yourself again. See if you’re eligible for Virta Health here.
Why is checking your HbA1c level important?
Checking your HbA1c is crucial for understanding how well your body manages glucose. For people living with diabetes, it helps track how effective their treatment plan is and alerts them to needed adjustments before complications arise. Even if you haven’t been diagnosed, testing your HbA1c can reveal early signs of prediabetes or insulin resistance, allowing you to take preventive action through diet and lifestyle changes. In both cases, it’s a test that offers powerful insight into your long-term metabolic health.