Which HbA1c range is most consistent with poorly controlled diabetes in a dental patient risk assessment?

HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin) reflects average blood glucose over the preceding 2–3 months. The ADA defines the target HbA1c for most diabetic patients as less than 7.0%. An HbA1c above 8.0% indicates poorly controlled diabetes, reflecting elevated average blood glucose levels over time. In dental practice, patients with poorly controlled diabetes (HbA1c > 8%) are at increased risk for periodontal disease progression, impaired wound healing, post-extraction complications, and opportunistic infections. Elective dental procedures may need to be deferred until glycemic control improves. Prediabetes is defined as HbA1c 5.7–6.4%; diabetes is diagnosed at 6.5% or above.