What’s a HbA1c ?

A glycosylated haemoglobin test measures the amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood. The test is often called A1c, or sometimes HbA1c. It’s a simple blood test used to:

• Detect prediabetes - high sugar levels that can lead to diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
• Diagnose diabetes.
• Tell how well a person with diabetes has been managing the disease.

How does the HbA1c test work?

HbA1c testing relies on haemoglobin. Haemoglobin is the part of the red blood cell that carries oxygen throughout the body. When you have glucose in your blood, it glycates (sticks) to haemoglobin. The more glucose in your blood, the more it sticks. And it can stay there for around three months, or about how long the average red blood cell lives. The HbA1c test measures the average amount of glucose that’s been attached to hemoglobin over time. So the HbA1c test provides more information about blood sugar over a longer period of time.

When is a HbA1c test needed?

If you have diabetes, you should have a HbA1c test two to four times a year to see how you’re managing it. Your physician or healthcare team will advise on exactly how often you should get tested.
If you haven’t gotten diagnosed with diabetes, a healthcare provider may order an HbA1c test if you have symptoms of the condition. These symptoms include:

• Blurry vision.
• Fatigue, or feeling tired all the time.
• Increased urination (peeing).
• Unusual thirst.

You may also get an HbA1c test if you’re at risk for diabetes. Risk factors include:

• Extra weight or obesity.
• Family history of diabetes.
• Lack of activity or exercise.
• History of heart disease.
• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure).
• Older age.