What does an HbA1c level of 8.6 mean?
An HbA1c level (or average blood sugar level over a 2–3 month period) of 8.6 or (8.6%) means that your blood glucose level is significantly elevated, and you are now in the diabetes range. HbA1c is a blood test showing what percentage of red blood cells have glucose molecules (or blood sugar) attached to them. Having more than 6.5% of red blood cells coated with glucose puts you in the diabetic range, along with ~37 million other adults in the United States. You should consult with your health provider to reduce your blood sugar, and consider joining Virta to improve your metabolic health and potentially reverse your type 2 diabetes diagnosis.
What signs and symptoms are associated with an HbA1c level of 8.6?
Signs and symptoms of an HbA1c level above 6.5 may include:
- Fatigue
- Increased thirst and dry mouth
- Increased urination
- Frequent vaginal or urinary infections
- Erectile dysfunction
- Increased hunger
- Neuropathy (numbness, tingling in feet and hands)
- Blurred vision
- Slow-healing sores or frequent infections
- Unplanned weight loss
What can I do to lower my HbA1c from 8.6?
If you have an HbA1c level (or average blood sugar level over a 2–3 month period) of 8.6, Virta can help you reverse your diabetes. 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.