Day 1: Your A1C levels are high. Now what?

We'll help you take the next step.

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DAY 1 OF 3 Understanding a high A1C reading Hello and welcome! In this 3-day miniseries, you'll learn what it may mean to receive a high A1C result and essential strategies for decreasing your levels. Ready to get started? An A1C result of 6.5% and above may indicate a diabetes diagnosis, while 7% and above may signify you're at an elevated risk for certain health complications. (It's also important to note that A1C results have a 0.5% margin of error. That means if your A1C is 7%, it might range between 6.5% and 7.5%.) Complications of high A1C levels One high A1C result may not be a cause for concern. However, if your levels remain high over time, you are at a higher risk for: cardiovascular diseases, like stroke and heart attack kidney disease nerve damage eye damage that may result in blindness numbness, tingling, and lack of sensation in the feet due to nerve damage slower wound healing and infection Monitoring your blood sugar levels between doctors' visits is one of the most important things you can do to manage your levels. Download our free tutorial on how to use a blood sugar monitor by clicking the image below. DOWNLOAD NOW A1C and eAG levels vs. daily glucose monitoring Your daily blood glucose readings measure your blood sugar level at that moment. Estimated average glucose (eAG) and A1C tests look at blood sugar levels over a longer timeframe, generally the last 3 months. Since eAG uses the same units (mg/dL or mmol/L) that you regularly see on your daily blood sugar readings, it may be easier to interpret than A1C. You can use our online conversion tool to determine your eAG using your A1C and vice versa. Tomorrow: lifestyle tips for lower A1C levels We'll be back in your inbox with expert guidance on nutrition, exercise, and more. Until then, check out our type 2 diabetes resource center for additional reliable resources. See you then! Want to keep learning?   Blood Sugar Level Charts for Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes READ ON   5 Best A1C Home Test Kits READ ON   The 20 Best Snack Ideas If You Have Diabetes READ ON Until next time, Take care of yourself, and we'll see you again soon! View in browser Did a friend send you this email? Subscribe here. To see all newsletters, click here. Privacy   |   Unsubscribe We may feature your messages to our inbox within our content. Please do not provide any personal identifiable information. Replies may be edited for length and clarity. For more, see our Privacy Policy. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Healthline does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should not be used as a substitute for medical advice from a healthcare professional. Healthline encourages you to make any treatment decisions with your healthcare professional. Every product we recommend has gone through either Healthline's or Optum Now's vetting processes. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline and Optum Now are owned by RVO Health. © 2025 RVO Health 1101 Red Ventures Drive Fort Mill, SC 29707