A1c 8.6%
A1c of 8.6%: what it means
An A1c of 8.6% is above both the common goal of 7% and the less strict goal of 8%. It maps to an average glucose of about 200 mg/dL.
Average glucose from the ADAG formula, eAG = 28.7 × A1c − 46.7 (Nathan 2008). Categories from the ADA Standards of Care (ADA Standards 2026, sec. 2).
What an A1c of 8.6% means
- The ADA Standards of Care describe an A1c goal below 7% as appropriate for many nonpregnant adults with diabetes, as long as it can be reached without significant hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). (ADA Standards 2026, sec. 6)
- A less strict goal, such as below 8%, may be appropriate for some people, for example those with frequent or severe hypoglycemia, limited life expectancy, or advanced complications. (ADA Standards 2026, sec. 6)
- Large changes in blood glucose over the past month show up in the A1c, but short spikes and dips do not. The most recent 30 days count more than earlier months. (NIDDK)
- People with diabetes are generally advised to have an A1c test at least twice a year, and more often when they are not meeting their goal. (NIDDK)
Compared with an A1c of 7.0% (154 mg/dL), an A1c of 8.6% means average glucose has been about 46 mg/dL higher.
Questions to ask your doctor
- What A1c goal is right for me, and why?
- How often should my A1c be checked?
- Does my current treatment plan need to change?
- What blood sugar readings should I watch for at home, and when should I call you?
Read next: A1c goals in diabetes, A1c high but glucose normal. Lab reports in mmol/mol? Use the HbA1c mmol/mol converter.
Nearby values
| A1c | mg/dL | mmol/L | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8.1% | 186 | 10.3 | Diabetes |
| 8.2% | 189 | 10.5 | Diabetes |
| 8.3% | 192 | 10.6 | Diabetes |
| 8.4% | 194 | 10.8 | Diabetes |
| 8.5% | 197 | 10.9 | Diabetes |
| 8.6% | 200 | 11.1 | Diabetes |
| 8.7% | 203 | 11.3 | Diabetes |
| 8.8% | 206 | 11.4 | Diabetes |
| 8.9% | 209 | 11.6 | Diabetes |
| 9.0% | 212 | 11.7 | Diabetes |
| 9.1% | 214 | 11.9 | Diabetes |
All values from 4.0% to 14.0% are in the A1c chart. Planning a retest? See how fast A1c can change. Over 65? See A1c by age.
Try another number
Estimated average glucose (eAG) = 28.7 × A1c − 46.7, from the ADAG study. mmol/L = mg/dL ÷ 18.016. Real averages vary from person to person at the same A1c. This is a conversion, not a diagnosis.
Other key numbers
6.5 mmol/L
6.6 mmol/L
6.8 mmol/L
7.0 mmol/L
7.1 mmol/L
7.3 mmol/L
7.4 mmol/L
7.6 mmol/L
7.8 mmol/L
8.6 mmol/L
9.4 mmol/L
10.2 mmol/L
10.9 mmol/L
11.7 mmol/L
13.3 mmol/L
14.9 mmol/L
16.5 mmol/L
Sources
- Nathan DM, Kuenen J, Borg R, Zheng H, Schoenfeld D, Heine RJ; A1c-Derived Average Glucose (ADAG) Study Group. Translating the A1C assay into estimated average glucose values. Diabetes Care. 2008;31(8):1473-1478. doi.org/10.2337/dc08-0545
- American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee. 2. Diagnosis and Classification of Diabetes: Standards of Care in Diabetes 2026. Diabetes Care. 2026;49(Suppl 1). doi.org/10.2337/dc26-S002
- American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee. 6. Glycemic Goals, Hypoglycemia, and Hyperglycemic Crises: Standards of Care in Diabetes 2026. Diabetes Care. 2026;49(Suppl 1). doi.org/10.2337/dc26-S006
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIH). The A1C Test & Diabetes. www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diagnostic-tests/a1c-test
Written and maintained by the controla1clevels.com editorial team. We do not have a medical reviewer; every claim links to its primary source above. Last reviewed: 2026-10-27. Spotted an error? See About.