An A1c of 5.7% is where prediabetes begins, according to the American Diabetes Association. Prediabetes runs from 5.7% to 6.4%, and 6.5% or higher is in the diabetes range. At 5.7%, your blood sugar is a little above normal. It’s often one of the most changeable numbers on your lab results.
Type or slide your A1c to see where it falls. Each tenth of a point changes your score.
Where do you fall?
| Band | A1c (%) | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| NormalBelow the prediabetes range. | Under 5.7 | Below the prediabetes range. |
| PrediabetesHigher than normal; often brought down with habits. | 5.7 to 6.4 | Higher than normal; often brought down with habits. |
| Diabetes rangeA doctor confirms it with a second test. | 6.5 or more | A doctor confirms it with a second test. |
What does an A1c of 5.7 mean?
An A1c of 5.7% means your average blood sugar over the past 3 months has been a little higher than normal. It is the first number in the prediabetes range. 1
Prediabetes isn’t diabetes. It means your risk of type 2 diabetes, and of heart disease, is higher than it would be with a normal A1c. Many people with prediabetes bring their numbers back into the normal range. 2
More than 1 in 3 US adults has prediabetes, and most don’t know it. 2
In Checkup Score, blood sugar is graded, so each tenth counts. An A1c of 5.6% counts as 90 of 100, 5.7% as 80, 5.8% as 77 and 6.0% as 70.
What moves your A1c at 5.7?
Small, steady changes in weight and activity move A1c the most at this stage. Here are the main levers, biggest effect first.
- A structured lifestyle change program, such as one recognized by the CDC’s National Diabetes Prevention Program, lowered diabetes risk by 58% in the original study. 2
- Losing 5% to 7% of your body weight, if you have extra weight. For someone who weighs 200 pounds, that’s 10 to 14 pounds. 2
- At least 150 minutes a week of moderate activity, such as brisk walking. 2
- Fewer sugary drinks and refined carbs, and more vegetables, beans, whole grains and other high-fiber foods. 1
- Metformin, which doctors sometimes add for people at higher risk, such as those with a BMI of 35 or more, those under 60, or those who had diabetes during pregnancy. 1
How often should you check your A1c with prediabetes?
With prediabetes, the ADA recommends checking at least once a year. 1
Because A1c reflects about 3 months, rechecking sooner than 3 months after a change won’t show the full effect. 1
If your A1c reaches 6.5% or higher, your doctor will usually confirm it with a second test before making a diagnosis. 1
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Hemoglobin A1c · Average blood sugar over about three months. List price $22.95 plus a $12.95 lab visit fee, as of October 31, 2026.
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Common questions
Is an A1c of 5.7 bad?
An A1c of 5.7% isn’t bad, but it is a signal. It is the start of the prediabetes range, which runs from 5.7% to 6.4%. It means your blood sugar is a little above normal. This is often a good time to act, because changes in weight, activity and food can bring it back down.
What is the A1c range for prediabetes?
The American Diabetes Association defines prediabetes as an A1c of 5.7% to 6.4%. Under 5.7% is normal, and 6.5% or higher is in the diabetes range, which a doctor usually confirms with a second test. The ranges are the same for adults of every age, women and men.
Is an A1c of 5.8 prediabetes?
Yes. An A1c of 5.8% is in the prediabetes range, which runs from 5.7% to 6.4%. It matches an average blood sugar of about 120 mg/dL. Like 5.7%, it is often changeable with habits. The ADA recommends checking your A1c at least once a year while you have prediabetes.
Is an A1c of 6.0 prediabetes?
Yes. An A1c of 6.0% is in the middle of the prediabetes range and matches an average blood sugar of about 126 mg/dL. It isn’t diabetes, which starts at 6.5%. Your doctor may suggest a lifestyle program and, for some people, a medicine such as metformin. Recheck at least once a year.
Do I need medicine for an A1c of 5.7?
Most people with an A1c of 5.7% start with lifestyle changes, not medicine. The ADA says doctors can consider metformin for people with prediabetes at higher risk, such as those with a BMI of 35 or more, those under 60, or those who had diabetes during pregnancy. Ask your doctor what fits you.
Can you bring an A1c of 5.7 back to normal?
Often, yes. Many people with prediabetes bring their A1c back under 5.7% with weight loss, more activity and food changes. In a large study, a structured lifestyle program lowered the risk of type 2 diabetes by 58%. Results vary, so recheck your A1c at least once a year to see where you stand.
Related
Sources
- Standards of Care in Diabetes—2026. American Diabetes Association, 2026.
- Preventing Type 2 Diabetes. CDC, 2024.
- Screening for Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes. USPSTF, 2021.
This is information, not medical advice. It doesn’t replace your clinician. In an emergency, call 911.