What does an A1c level of 5 mean?

A hemoglobin A1c (aka HbA1c or A1c) level of 5 is considered optimal. 

An A1c of 5.0 means that 5% of the hemoglobin in your blood is saturated with sugar. A1c levels between 4 and 5.6 percent indicate good blood glucose control over the last 2-3 months. Maintaining an optimal A1c is important for preventing diabetes and the complications associated with this diagnosis.

How to maintain optimal A1c levels

An A1c level of 5% means you have had good blood glucose control over the last few months. A1c tends to increase with age [4], so it’s important to have your levels checked periodically, particularly if you’re at greater risk for developing prediabetes or diabetes.

Groups that are at greater risk for developing prediabetes/ diabetes include: 

 Adults age 45 or older

• People of Black, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, Asian American, or Pacific Islander descent

• Individuals with a parent, brother, or sister with diabetes

• Overweight or obese individuals

• Those who are physically inactive 

• Individuals with low HDL (good) cholesterol and/or high triglycerides

• People with high blood pressure, or who take medicine for high blood pressure

• Women who had diabetes during pregnancy or who have been diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Regardless of whether or not you’re at increased risk for prediabetes/ diabetes, having a healthy, balanced diet and lifestyle are key to maintaining optimal A1c levels. Here are some things you can do to keep your levels in the green: 

• Be active every day: Aim for 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week (about 30 minutes, 5 days per week). 

• Fill half of your plate with non-starchy veggies at every meal, and incorporate a source of lean protein and plant-based fat to assist with blood sugar control. 

• Limit refined carbohydrates and added sugar, and choose whole-grain carbohydrates such as whole wheat bread/ pasta, quinoa, farro, and steel-cut oats, instead. 

• Lose excess weight if you are overweight or obese.

• Follow your diabetes treatment plan if you have been diagnosed with diabetes.

• Manage stress and get adequate sleep to help balance hormone levels that can impact blood sugar.