Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) with mass fraction measurement from whole blood

The HbA1c test measures your average blood sugar (glucose) levels over the past two to three months. Unlike a fasting glucose check that shows a single moment in time, HbA1c reflects how much glucose has attached to hemoglobin, the protein inside your red blood cells, giving your care team a reliable picture of your long-term blood sugar control.

HbA1c tests specifically look at the proportion of hemoglobin molecules that have been attached to glucose over time. Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen, and the attachment indicates how much glucose has been present in your blood during the lifespan of those red blood cells (about 120 days).

For people living with diabetes, HbA1c is one of the most important numbers in managing the condition. Consistently high blood sugar can damage your heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves over time, and your HbA1c result helps your doctor see whether your current treatment plan is working and where adjustments may be needed to lower your risk of complications.

Unlike a single blood sugar reading, HbA1c provides a snapshot of your average blood sugar levels, helping doctors identify trends and adjust treatments accordingly. It’s particularly useful for people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, as it helps prevent complications like nerve damage, kidney disease, or vision problems.

Getting an HbA1c test is simple and is usually done in a doctor's office, clinic, or laboratory. A healthcare professional draws a small sample of blood from a vein in your arm, or sometimes uses a fingerstick with a point-of-care device. The sample is then analyzed to calculate the percentage of hemoglobin coated with glucose, and results are typically available within a few days.

This test involves a simple blood draw from a vein in your arm. The blood sample is processed to measure the percentage of hemoglobin molecules bound to glucose. The result is expressed as a percentage (e.g., 5.7% to 6.4% is considered prediabetes, while 6.5% or higher may indicate diabetes).

An HbA1c below 5.7% is considered normal, 5.7% to 6.4% suggests prediabetes, and 6.5% or higher on two separate tests usually indicates diabetes. If your result comes back above your target, it does not automatically mean something is seriously wrong, but your healthcare provider may recommend changes to your diet, exercise routine, or medications to bring your levels down safely.

Results below 5.7% are generally considered normal, while 5.7% to 6.4% is classified as prediabetes. An HbA1c of 6.5% or higher suggests diabetes. However, individual results can vary based on factors like age, overall health, and medications.