Is a glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level of 9.6% considered severe?
I just received my physical examination report, and my hemoglobin A1c is 9.6%. Is it very serious to have such a high hemoglobin A1c level? What should I do?
Doctor's answer (1)
In general, a glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level of 9.6% represents a relatively serious condition.
Glycated hemoglobin is a special form of hemoglobin in the blood formed by the combination of glucose with hemoglobin. Normally, adult HbA1c levels should range between 4% and 6%. When HbA1c reaches 9.6%, it clearly exceeds the upper limit of the normal range, which usually indicates poor glycemic control, a high risk of diabetes, or that the patient already has diabetes with inadequate blood sugar management. Prolonged high blood sugar can also damage nerves and blood vessels, affecting the function of multiple body systems.
In such cases, patients need to undergo standardized treatment under a doctor's guidance to control blood glucose levels. Additionally, patients should adjust their dietary habits, reducing intake of high-salt, high-fat, and high-sugar foods to assist in improving glycemic control.
In daily life, patients should learn how to self-manage diabetes and regularly monitor blood glucose changes to ensure effective glycemic control.
