Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) testing is a blood test used primarily to monitor the long-term control of blood glucose levels in people with diabetes. HbA1c represents the average blood glucose levels over the past three months. It measures the percentage of hemoglobin (a protein in red blood cells) that is coated with sugar.
- Diabetes Management: HbA1c levels are used to assess how well a person’s diabetes is being managed and to adjust medications if necessary.
- Diagnosis of Diabetes: It can also be used for diagnosing diabetes; an HbA1c level of 6.5% (48mmol/mol) or higher on two separate occasions typically indicates diabetes.
- Targets: Diabetes management often aims for an HbA1c target below 7% (53mmol/mol) to prevent complications, though individual targets may vary.
- Advantages: Unlike blood glucose testing, which shows a moment-in-time sugar level, HbA1c provides a longer-term trend.
- Limitations: It may not be accurate in all situations, such as for individuals with certain hemoglobinopathies, recent blood transfusions, or anemia.
Note % to mmol/mol conversions
- 6.0 = 42
- 6.5 = 48
- 7.0 = 53
- 7.5 = 58