My HbA1c is 6.2. Should I be trying to get it lower or just keep it there?

I was recently told I'm in the prediabetes range and my HbA1c is 6.2%.

I've been reading a lot since then and I'm getting confused by the different numbers people talk about. I keep seeing 7% mentioned as an important target for diabetes, so part of me is wondering whether 6.2 is actually something I should be very worried about or whether the main goal is simply to stop it from getting worse.

I've already started cutting down on sweets and trying to walk more after meals. I also want to lose some weight. My doctor hasn't started me on any medication yet.

For anyone who started around this range, did you actively try to bring your HbA1c back into the normal range? How much did you manage to reduce it with lifestyle changes?

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@deepali095 hr ago

I wouldn't look at 7 as a number you have permission to climb up to. When I was told I had prediabetes my doctor basically explained it as an opportunity to work on things early rather than waiting until I crossed another line.

Mine was 6.1 and came down to 5.6 after I lost some weight and became much more consistent with walking.

@siddhesh074 hr ago

How long did it take you to get from 6.1 to 5.6?

@deepali091 hr ago

Around 6 months. Nothing dramatic either. I mostly stopped drinking calories, reduced my portions and started walking almost every day. The consistency probably mattered more than anything extreme.