HbA1c (also written as A1c or Glycated Hemoglobin) is a blood test that shows your average blood sugar (glucose) levels over the past 2 to 3 months.
Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen.
When glucose (sugar) stays in your blood, it attaches to hemoglobin.
The HbA1c test measures the percentage of hemoglobin that's coated with sugar (glycated).
The higher your blood sugar, the higher your HbA1c level.
HbA1c (%) | Interpretation |
---|---|
Below 5.7% | Normal |
5.7% – 6.4% | Prediabetes (at risk) |
6.5% or higher | Diabetes |
>7.0% | Poor diabetes control (if diabetic) |
Diagnoses diabetes or prediabetes
Monitors how well your diabetes is controlled
Doesn’t require fasting
Reflects long-term glucose levels, not just one day's reading
Simple blood draw from a vein (or finger prick in some clinics)
No fasting needed
Results usually available within a few hours or a day
May be inaccurate in people with anemia, blood disorders, or recent blood loss
Doesn’t reflect short-term spikes or drops in blood sugar
HbA1c (also written as A1c or Glycated Hemoglobin) is a blood test that shows your average blood sugar (glucose) levels over the past 2 to 3 months.
Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen.
When glucose (sugar) stays in your blood, it attaches to hemoglobin.
The HbA1c test measures the percentage of hemoglobin that's coated with sugar (glycated).
The higher your blood sugar, the higher your HbA1c level.
HbA1c (%) | Interpretation |
---|---|
Below 5.7% | Normal |
5.7% – 6.4% | Prediabetes (at risk) |
6.5% or higher | Diabetes |
>7.0% | Poor diabetes control (if diabetic) |
Diagnoses diabetes or prediabetes
Monitors how well your diabetes is controlled
Doesn’t require fasting
Reflects long-term glucose levels, not just one day's reading
Simple blood draw from a vein (or finger prick in some clinics)
No fasting needed
Results usually available within a few hours or a day
May be inaccurate in people with anemia, blood disorders, or recent blood loss
Doesn’t reflect short-term spikes or drops in blood sugar
HbA1c Measurement
Percentage of glycated hemoglobin in your blood
Indicates long-term blood sugar control
Blood Sample Collection
Via vein (venipuncture) or finger prick
Collected by a trained lab technician
Lab Analysis
Sample is processed using certified equipment
Results usually ready in a few hours to 1 day
Lab Report
A clear report with:
HbA1c percentage
Reference range
Interpretation (e.g. normal, prediabetes, diabetic)
Sometimes includes estimated average glucose (eAG) level in mg/dL
Doesn’t show real-time or daily glucose levels
Excludes Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) or Postprandial (after meal) Sugar (PPBS)
Does not test for:
Insulin resistance
Insulin production or function
No info on:
Cholesterol or lipid profile
Kidney function
Liver function
Vitamin or mineral levels (like B12 or Vitamin D)
Does not assess:
Kidney damage (no microalbumin)
Eye issues (no retina exam)
Nerve damage (no neuropathy screening)
It’s specific to blood sugar tracking only
Does not diagnose infections, thyroid issues, anemia, etc.
Most basic tests do not include a consultation with a doctor unless it's part of a health package
No diet counseling, fitness planning, or medication review
A Health Check-Up is a preventive medical examination designed to assess your overall health status and detect early signs of diseases or risk factors. These check-ups typically include a series of physical examinations, laboratory tests, and diagnostic screenings tailored to age, gender, medical history, and lifestyle.
Routine health check-ups are essential for early detection of conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, and cancer. They help doctors monitor critical indicators like blood pressure, cholesterol levels, organ function, and more. Depending on the package or provider, a health check-up can range from basic blood tests to advanced imaging like CT scans or full-body MRIs.