What does a hemoglobin A1C level of 10% in an adolescent with diabetes indicate?

A hemoglobin A1C level of 10% indicates an uncontrolled blood glucose level in an adolescent with diabetes. The A1C test provides an average of a person's blood glucose levels over the past two to three months, and in general, a target A1C level is typically below 7% for most adolescents with diabetes. A level of 10% signifies that the adolescent’s blood glucose has been consistently high, suggesting poor management of diabetes and an increased risk of long-term complications. This level reflects an inability to maintain blood sugar within the desired range, underlining the need for more effective monitoring and management strategies for the individual. Maintaining a lower A1C is crucial to minimize the risk of complications associated with diabetes.