A hemoglobin A1c should be less than what percentage for a patient being treated for diabetes?

The target hemoglobin A1c level for a patient being treated for diabetes is commonly set at less than 7%. This target reflects the goal of adequate glycemic control to reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications, such as retinopathy, nephropathy, and cardiovascular disease. A hemoglobin A1c level below this threshold indicates that a patient's blood sugar levels have been well managed over the preceding two to three months.

While levels below 6% might be optimal for some individuals, aiming for a target below 7% is generally more practical and achievable for most patients with diabetes, particularly those with additional health issues or a risk of hypoglycemia. Additionally, it is important to consider individual circumstances, such as age, duration of diabetes, and presence of other medical conditions, which may influence the appropriate target. Striving for an A1c lower than 8% is often regarded as inadequate, as it may not provide enough control over blood glucose levels to mitigate complications.