It’s important to discuss your test results with your doctor to see what they mean in your situation.ĪSK YOUR DOCTOR - Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist. No preparation is needed for this blood test. That’s because the higher your HbA1c, the greater your risk of developing diabetes complications such as: Monitoring HbA1c in people with diabetes is important. This can be less frequent if your blood sugar levels are well controlled.

People with diabetes are advised to have this test every 3 months. The HbA1c test may also be done if you have symptoms of type 2 diabetes, to confirm a diagnosis.įor people with diabetes, the test is used to indicate how well your diabetes has been controlled over the last few months. If you are at increased risk of type 2 diabetes, your doctor may recommend this test to check if you have diabetes. It’s different to a blood glucose test, which measures how much sugar is in the blood at that moment. Red blood cells live for an average of 120 days, so HbA1c gives an indication of how much sugar there has been in your blood over the past few months. The amount of HbA1c formed is directly related to the amount of glucose in your blood. HbA1c refers to glucose and haemoglobin joined together (the haemoglobin is ‘glycated’). Haemoglobin (Hb) is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen through your body. The test is also sometimes called haemoglobin A1c. It is also used to monitor blood glucose control in people with diabetes. HbA1c is a blood test that is used to diagnose type 2 diabetes. Related information on Australian websites.You should discuss your results with your doctor to see what the test results mean in your situation.No preparation is needed for this test.People with diabetes are advised to have this test every 3 to 6 months.HbA1c is a blood test that is used to help diagnose type 2 diabetes and monitor blood glucose control in people who have diabetes.

Hemoglobin a1c normal range by age