Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) with Mass Concentration Measurement (Serum/Plasma)

The hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) test measures your average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months by checking the percentage of hemoglobin in your red blood cells that has sugar attached to it.

HbA1c is a form of hemoglobin (the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen) that has been linked to glucose (sugar) molecules. It’s a key marker for understanding how well your body has managed blood sugar levels over time, especially in people with diabetes or prediabetes.

Your care team uses the HbA1c test to diagnose prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, monitor how well your current treatment plan is working, and make informed adjustments to your medications, diet, and lifestyle recommendations over time.

Doctors use HbA1c to diagnose diabetes, monitor treatment progress, and adjust medications if needed. It’s a more reliable indicator than checking blood sugar levels at random times because it reflects an average over months.

Keeping your HbA1c within a healthy range lowers your risk of serious long-term complications, including heart disease, kidney damage, nerve problems, and vision loss, which makes regular testing an important part of protecting your overall health.

High HbA1c levels may indicate poor blood sugar control, increasing risks for long-term health problems like nerve damage, kidney disease, or heart disease. Keeping levels within target ranges helps prevent these complications.

The HbA1c test is a simple blood draw, usually taken from a vein in your arm, and it does not require fasting beforehand. The entire process takes only a few minutes, and you can return to your normal activities right afterward.

A simple blood draw from your arm is all it takes. The sample is sent to a lab for analysis, and results are usually available within a few days. No special preparation is needed, but fasting may be required depending on your provider’s instructions.