 [ Symptoms ] six months ago my hemoglobin a1c was at 6 3 today it is 5 7 how low should shoot for what is an ideal level  i have brought it down through diet and exercise i know that 5 7 is a significant improvement   but i really want to know what ideal is how low is too low  i a 42 year old male 56 and 235lbs i was at 268 when the 6 3 reading was taken started exercising just shy of 4 months ago i get 2 12 hours of cardio or more per week along with alternating workouts of other body areas i am shooting for 175lbs by june 1 ambitious but i think it is doable [ Disease ] first off good for you for taking charge of your health between 5 7 and 6 4 is considered pre diabetes and between 4 5 6 is normal 6 5 or higher is considered diabetes i am sure if you continue to exercise and eat right it will be in the normal range in no time you are practically there for more on hemoglobin a1c see this article