### Highest Recorded Blood Sugar Levels and A1C Results People with diabetes often undergo an A1C test every three months to monitor their blood sugar levels. The American Diabetes Association recommends an A1C of 7% or less for both adults and children with type 1 diabetes. However, achieving this goal can be challenging due to the unpredictable nature of diabetes. The Guinness Book of World Records does not list the highest A1C, but it does mention Michael Patrick Buonocore, who survived a blood glucose level of 2,656 mg/dL in 2008. His A1C at diagnosis was 11.9%, which is high but not the highest. A1C tests provide a 3-month average of blood sugar levels. Most A1C machines cap at 14%, but some labs can calculate higher. The highest A1C results reported by healthcare professionals range from 17% to 22%. These extremely high levels are usually seen in type 2 diabetes patients, who have some insulin in their bodies, preventing them from going into a coma. High A1C levels are toxic and often come with complications like retinopathy, kidney, and nerve damage. While some experts believe that any A1C over 14% is critically high, others argue that lowering an A1C from 22% to 17% can be clinically significant. In summary, while the exact highest A1C ever recorded is unclear, it is evident that extremely high levels are dangerous and indicate severe complications.