Overview
HbA1c reflects what proportion of haemoglobin is bound to sugar. The higher the value, the poorer the long-term control of glucose.
Why it's done
It is used to diagnose diabetes and, above all, to monitor the long-term effectiveness of treatment.
How to prepare
No fasting is needed — the test can be taken at any time of day.
What to expect
A standard venous blood draw, completed in a few minutes.
Understanding the results
Below 5.7% is considered normal; 5.7–6.4% is prediabetes; 6.5% or above is diabetes. The target value for patients with diabetes is individual.