Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)

Why is HbA1c important for diabetes management?

HbA1c provides a snapshot of how well your blood sugar has been controlled over time, even if daily readings fluctuate. It’s a key tool for doctors to assess whether your diabetes treatment is working and to prevent complications like nerve damage or kidney disease.

How is HbA1c different from daily blood sugar tests?

Unlike fingerstick blood sugar tests (like fasting glucose or random glucose), HbA1c doesn’t depend on when you last ate or exercised. It’s based on the stable, long-term bond between hemoglobin and sugar, making it a more reliable measure of overall blood sugar trends.

What does an abnormal HbA1c result mean?

An elevated HbA1c (typically above 5.7%) suggests poor blood sugar control and may indicate diabetes or prediabetes. A lower result (below 5.7%) may mean your blood sugar is consistently within a healthy range, but it’s not a definitive diagnosis alone.

How often should I get an HbA1c test?

Doctors usually recommend HbA1c testing every 3–6 months for people with diabetes to monitor progress. If you have prediabetes, testing may be less frequent but still important to prevent diabetes from developing.