A fasting glucose of 126 mg/dL or higher or an HbA1c of 6.5% or higher meets the diagnostic criteria for diabetes. Without clear symptoms of high blood sugar, the diagnosis is confirmed by repeating the test on another day or by meeting two different criteria on the same day. A fasting glucose of 100 to 125 mg/dL or an HbA1c of 5.7% to 6.4% is considered prediabetes.
Diabetes care involves blood pressure, cholesterol, kidney health, eyes and feet as well as blood glucose. We usually check glycated hemoglobin every 3 months and adjust medication and lifestyle guidance. We recommend an eye examination when needed.