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Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) – Glycated Hemoglobin

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test measures the percentage of hemoglobin in your blood that has been linked to sugar (glucose), reflecting your average blood sugar levels over the past 2–3 months.

Quick summary

HbA1c helps doctors track long-term diabetes control and adjust treatment plans.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
64350-2
Short code
INCENTERPATIENTSINSELFDIALYSISHEMODIALYSISTRAININGATENDOFREPORTINGPERI
Synonyms
—
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Specimen volume
5 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

What HbA1c Tests Measure

HbA1c tests your body’s ability to manage glucose over time. Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen, and when glucose attaches to hemoglobin, it forms glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). This attachment is permanent and reflects your blood sugar levels from the production of new red blood cells (about 2–3 months).

Why It’s Done During Dialysis Training

During hemodialysis training, your HbA1c is checked to ensure your diabetes management aligns with your dialysis needs. High blood sugar can affect kidney function and dialysis efficiency, so monitoring HbA1c helps prevent complications like infections, nerve damage, or cardiovascular issues.

How It’s Performed

A small blood sample is taken from your arm or hand. The sample is processed to measure the proportion of glycated hemoglobin compared to total hemoglobin. No special preparation is needed, but fasting is not required for this test.

What the Results Mean

Results are reported as a percentage (e.g., 5.5%, 6.8%). While exact ranges vary by lab, higher percentages generally indicate poorer blood sugar control. Your healthcare team will interpret results in the context of your overall health and treatment goals.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

HbA1c is critical for people undergoing dialysis because chronic high blood sugar can worsen kidney disease, increase dialysis-related risks, and complicate wound healing. Regular monitoring helps prevent long-term complications and guides adjustments to medications (e.g., insulin or diabetes pills) to improve outcomes.

Short name

HbA1c

Frequently asked questions

What causes HbA1c levels to change?
Several factors can influence HbA1c, including diet, physical activity, medications (like insulin or diabetes drugs), stress, and underlying health conditions. Illnesses (e.g., infections, dehydration) or recent blood sugar spikes/drops may temporarily affect results. Your provider will discuss these with you during training.
How often should I expect HbA1c tests during training?
HbA1c tests are typically done at the end of your training period to assess your progress in managing diabetes alongside dialysis. Frequency may vary based on your individual needs, but your dialysis team will schedule them as part of your care plan.
Can HbA1c results be affected by dialysis itself?
Dialysis removes some waste products and excess fluids from your blood, but it does not directly alter HbA1c levels. However, if you have severe dehydration or electrolyte imbalances during dialysis, it *might* temporarily impact blood sugar levels. Your provider will monitor this closely.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy