HbA1c measures the percentage of haemoglobin coated with glucose over the past 2–3 months — giving a picture of average blood sugar control that a single fasting test cannot. No fasting required. Same-day result at Mascot Healthcare, Akoka.
These are the symptoms and situations that indicate this test is the right next step.
HbA1c every 3–6 months monitors how well your blood sugar has been controlled and whether medication adjustments are needed.
Diabetes monitoringIf your fasting glucose was borderline (5.6–7.0 mmol/L), an HbA1c gives a 3-month average to clarify whether this is consistent or just a single high reading.
Pre-diabetes confirmationSome people have post-meal hyperglycaemia that fasting sugar misses. HbA1c catches this.
Screening with symptomsHbA1c at booking can identify pre-existing undiagnosed diabetes in pregnancy.
Antenatal screeningHbA1c before and 3 months after a medication change assesses treatment response.
Treatment responseHbA1c alongside fasting glucose gives the most complete picture of metabolic health.
Metabolic assessmentUnderstanding what each component of the test measures helps you understand your results.
Glucose attaches irreversibly to haemoglobin — measuring this coating percentage gives a 2–3 month blood sugar average. Cannot be affected by a single meal or day.
HbA1c ≥48 mmol/mol (6.5%) on two occasions = diabetes. Confirmed without fasting — convenient and reproducible.
HbA1c 42–47 mmol/mol (6.0–6.4%) = pre-diabetes. This is the window for reversal through lifestyle intervention.
| HbA1c | mmol/mol | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| <42 mmol/mol (6.0%) | <42 | Normal |
| 42–47 mmol/mol (6.0–6.4%) | 42–47 | Pre-diabetes — act now |
| ≥48 mmol/mol (≥6.5%) | ≥48 | Diabetes — confirmed |
| Target (treated diabetes) | <53 mmol/mol | Good control (<7.0%) |
Unlike fasting glucose, HbA1c can be done at any time of day without fasting.
Do not stop any medication for this test.
Sickle cell disease, thalassaemia, and recent blood transfusion affect HbA1c accuracy — inform our doctor.
Any time, Mon–Sat 9AM–5PM.
HbA1c is the single most important test for diabetes management — more informative than a single fasting glucose reading.
Book an appointment. Same-day result at Mascot Healthcare, Akoka.