What is the normal level of HbA1C in a person?

Appeared in: Raj. CHO -2020

Explanation

The correct option is 'Less than 6.0%' because the established normal range for HbA1c in a non-diabetic person is less than 5.7%.
HbA1c provides an average measure of blood glucose control over the preceding 2-3 months, making it a reliable indicator for long-term glycemic status.
This option is the only one that correctly includes the healthy, non-diabetic range.

Option B: An HbA1c level of 6.5% or higher is the diagnostic criterion for diabetes mellitus. This range is not considered normal.
Option C: This range signifies poor or inadequate control of blood glucose in a person with diagnosed diabetes, indicating a high risk for long-term complications.
Option D: An HbA1c level below 3.0% is physiologically improbable and not a standard clinical benchmark. It could potentially indicate a lab error or a condition causing a shortened red blood cell lifespan.

Visual 1: Chart: A visual chart illustrating the different HbA1c percentage ranges for Normal, Prediabetes, and Diabetes. This helps in quick recall of the diagnostic cutoffs.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Normal HbA1c levels as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a key role in educating patients about the meaning of their HbA1c results and the importance of achieving and maintaining target levels to prevent long-term complications like retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy.
The HbA1c test is convenient as it does not require fasting, which can improve patient compliance with screening and monitoring.
What if a patient's result is 6.2%? This falls into the prediabetes range. The nurse's priority is to provide education on lifestyle modifications, including diet, exercise, and weight management, to prevent or delay the progression to type 2 diabetes.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of a specific laboratory value.
First, identify the key term in the question: 'normal level of HbA1C'.
Recall the standard diagnostic criteria for HbA1c. The normal range is less than 5.7%.
Compare this known value to the given options.
Select the option that best aligns with the established normal range. 'Less than 6.0%' is the only option that includes the correct value of <5.7%.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Biochemistry U Satyanarayana 7th Edition — Part 1 (pp 26-420 of 840) p. 234-254

Practise the full Raj. CHO -2020

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.