What are the HbA1c targets for adults with type 2 diabetes managed by lifestyle and diet alone or with a single medication not associated with hypoglycaemia, and for those on a medication associated with hypoglycaemia?

For adults with type 2 diabetes who are managed by lifestyle and diet alone, or lifestyle and diet combined with a single medication not associated with hypoglycaemia, the HbA1c aim is 48 mmol/mol or less. For adults with type 2 diabetes on a medication associated with hypoglycaemia, the HbA1c target is below 53 mmol/mol.

These targets are given in the chapter on assessment of glycaemia. The target of 48 mmol/mol or less applies when the person is not using a therapy that carries a hypoglycaemia risk. Once a medication associated with hypoglycaemia is used, a slightly higher target of less than 53 mmol/mol is recommended. The source also notes that relaxation of the HbA1c target should be considered for older or frailer people when they are unlikely to gain long-term benefit, when tight control would increase hypoglycaemia risk, or when intensive management is not appropriate.