Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) with 24-hour urine collection for measurement of urinary excretion

Why This Test Matters for Blood Sugar Control

HbA1c measures long-term blood sugar levels by detecting glycated hemoglobin over roughly the past 2–3 months. This provides a snapshot of how consistently your blood sugar has been managed, which is critical for managing diabetes or prediabetes. A separate urine test checks for sugar excretion, which can indicate whether your kidneys are handling glucose properly.

How the Test Works: Blood and Urine Samples

For the HbA1c portion, a small blood sample is taken from your arm. For the urine portion, you’ll collect all urine over a full 24-hour period in a container provided by your healthcare team. The test measures both glycated hemoglobin in your blood and the amount of sugar present in your urine.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed for the HbA1c blood test, but you may be asked to fast for a few hours if your provider uses a different method. For the urine collection, follow your provider’s instructions carefully—typically, you’ll start collecting urine at a specific time and finish by the next morning. Drink plenty of fluids to ensure adequate urine volume.

Common Causes of Abnormal Results

Elevated HbA1c levels may suggest poor blood sugar control, while low levels could indicate recent rapid changes in blood sugar or certain blood disorders. High urine sugar levels might point to kidney issues or uncontrolled diabetes. Your provider will discuss these findings in detail during your follow-up.