Glycated Haemoglobin (HbA1c)
The Glycated Haemoglobin (HbA1c) Test provides a long-term view of blood sugar levels, rather than just a single reading. It measures how much glucose (sugar) has attached to red blood cells, helping to detect diabetes, prediabetes, and monitor how well blood sugar is being controlled over time. This test is commonly used for diagnosing and managing diabetes, especially for people with high blood sugar, frequent thirst, fatigue, or unexplained weight changes. Unlike a regular glucose test, fasting is not required, making it a convenient option for checking your blood sugar health.
Test details
Sample type
Blood
Time of day
No Specific Time Needed
Fasting required
No
Results timeframe
Within 7 days
Preparation
No special preparation required.
What's measured in this test
Glycated Haemoglobin
Shows average blood sugar over 2–3 months.
Common reasons for testing
- Diagnosing diabetes or prediabetes – Measures long-term blood sugar levels to check for diabetes risk.
- Monitoring diabetes management – Tracks how well blood sugar has been controlled over the past few months.
- Frequent thirst, tiredness, or weight changes – Assesses whether high blood sugar levels may be causing symptoms.
- Routine health screening – A useful test for those at risk of diabetes, heart disease, or metabolic disorders.
- Checking treatment effectiveness – Helps determine if diet, exercise, or medication are successfully managing diabetes.
- What This Test Checks For
- This test measures HbA1c, which reflects average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months.