by RODNEY BRAGGS
(JOLIET IL)
Answer by: Dr. Albana Greca Sejdini, MD, MMedSc
Medically reviewed by: Dr. Ruden Cakoni, MD, Endocrinologist
Last medically reviewed: July 2026
I have type 2 diabetes and have taken glipizide 10 mg twice daily for five years.
My A1C over the last six months has increased from 6.9% to 7.5% and now 8.5%. My doctor does not seem concerned and refuses to do anything different to lower it.
Should I be concerned, or am I still in a safe margin? I am 69 years old and worried. Thank you for any reply.
Quick Answer: An A1C of 8.5% is not usually an emergency by itself, but it is above the usual goal for many adults aged 69. The steady increase from 6.9% to 8.5% deserves a timely appointment to confirm your personal target, review your glucose pattern and discuss whether treatment should change. Do not increase glipizide, add another medicine or start a blood-sugar supplement on your own.
A1C estimates average glucose over roughly the previous three months. An A1C of 8.5% corresponds to an estimated average glucose of about 197 mg/dL (10.9 mmol/L). It cannot show whether the main problem is fasting glucose, after-meal spikes or a mixture of both. Our A1C-to-average-glucose calculator can help explain the conversion.
The upward pattern matters. Although laboratory variation and red-blood-cell conditions can affect one result, three rising results are more likely to reflect worsening glucose control.
Healthy or medically stable:
A common individualized goal is below 7.0%–7.5%.
Complex health, frailty or functional limitations:
A goal such as below 8.0% may be appropriate.
Very complex or poor health:
Doctors may avoid relying on A1C and focus on preventing low glucose and symptomatic high glucose.
Therefore, 8.5% is above the usual goal for many people in the first two groups. Age alone does not determine the target. Overall health, independence, kidney and heart health, complications and hypoglycemia risk matter. Learn more about A1C and individualized goals.
Do not blame yourself or begin a very restrictive diet. Identify the pattern and adjust the plan safely.
Possibly, but the correct choice cannot be made from A1C alone. Glipizide is a sulfonylurea and can cause hypoglycemia, particularly when meals are missed or kidney function changes. Do not take extra tablets to correct high readings. Review the warning signs in our guide to sulfonylurea side effects and low blood sugar.
Metformin may suit some people if tolerated and kidney function permits, but it is not automatic. Heart disease, heart failure, kidney disease, weight, cost and preferences may guide selection of metformin, an SGLT2 inhibitor, a GLP-1–based medicine, another oral medicine or insulin. Adding treatment may require reassessing glipizide to reduce hypoglycemia risk.
Do not begin herbal glucose-lowering supplements with glipizide without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. They may interact with medicines, cause adverse effects or increase the risk of low glucose.
Ask directly: “What is my personal A1C goal, why is 8.5% acceptable for me, and when will we reassess it?” If you do not receive a clear explanation or follow-up plan, it is reasonable to request a second opinion from another primary-care clinician or an endocrinologist. Do not stop glipizide while arranging that review.
When to seek urgent help: A1C 8.5% alone is not an emergency. Seek urgent medical care for glucose repeatedly around or above 300 mg/dL, especially with vomiting, dehydration, abdominal pain, rapid or deep breathing, fruity-smelling breath, moderate or large ketones, severe weakness, confusion or unusual sleepiness. Severe hypoglycemia, seizure, loss of consciousness or inability to swallow also requires emergency help.
Medical disclaimer: Educational only—not personal medical advice. Do not change prescribed diabetes medication without guidance from a qualified healthcare professional.
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