Physiological factors contributing to HbA1c in the normal and pre-diabetic range: a cross-sectional analysis.

HbA1c levels within the normal and pre-diabetic range seem to reflect decreased insulin secretion to a higher extent than insulin resistance. Therefore, early prevention strategies for high-risk individuals identified by HbA1c are not straightforward. More research on how to improve the health of beta cells either directly or indirectly in high-risk individuals is needed.