Is an A1c of 6.1 diabetes?
No, an A1c of 6.1% (43 mmol/mol) is prediabetes, not diabetes. Diabetes starts at 6.5%. The same is true of 6.0, 6.2, 6.3 and 6.4.
It is the upper half of the prediabetes range, so the changes that work are worth starting now: weight, walking, and fewer sugary drinks. Some doctors also discuss metformin at this level if other risks are present.
Recheck in three to six months. Average blood sugar at 6.1% is about 128 mg/dL (7.1 mmol/L).
See a doctor promptly if
- Excessive thirst, passing large amounts of urine, blurred vision or unexplained weight loss. These suggest blood sugar is already well above the prediabetes range
- Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, deep rapid breathing or a fruity smell on the breath: go to an emergency department
- A random blood glucose of 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) or higher, or a fasting glucose of 126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L) or higher
- New numbness, burning or pins and needles in both feet
- A wound on the foot that is not healing, or a skin or genital infection that keeps returning
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Answered by the AskDoc Medical Team · Medically reviewed under our Medical Director, MBBS · How we review
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