Shows your average blood sugar over the past 2–3 months to diagnose and monitor diabetes.
Also known as: HbA1c Test, Glycated Hemoglobin Test, Glycosylated Hemoglobin, Diabetes Monitoring Test
The HbA1c Test is one of the most reliable blood tests used to diagnose and monitor diabetes and prediabetes. Unlike a regular blood sugar test that measures glucose at a single point in time, the HbA1c test reflects your average blood sugar levels over the previous 2–3 months.
Hemoglobin is a protein found inside red blood cells. When glucose circulates in the bloodstream, some of it attaches to hemoglobin, forming glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Since red blood cells typically live for around 120 days, the HbA1c value provides an overall picture of long-term blood sugar control.
This test is commonly recommended for people who have diabetes, are at risk of developing diabetes, or need to monitor the effectiveness of diabetes treatment.
An HbA1c test measures the percentage of glycated hemoglobin in your blood. It is widely used for:
Because it reflects blood sugar over several months, the HbA1c test provides a more complete picture than a single fasting glucose measurement.
Types of diabetes
An autoimmune condition where the body's immune system attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. It usually develops during childhood or early adulthood.
The most common type of diabetes, caused by insulin resistance or reduced insulin production. Lifestyle factors such as obesity and inactivity increase the risk.
A condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis. Early lifestyle changes can often prevent progression to Type 2 diabetes.
For many adults with diabetes, healthcare providers often recommend maintaining an HbA1c level below 7%, although treatment goals may vary.
Common symptoms of diabetes:
If you experience these symptoms, consult your healthcare provider and consider getting tested.
You may benefit from this test if you:
1.Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c)
Measures the percentage of hemoglobin that has glucose attached, helping evaluate average blood sugar over the previous three months.
2.Estimated Average Blood Glucose (eAG)
Converts the HbA1c value into an estimated average blood glucose level for easier understanding.
No fasting is required for an HbA1c test.
For best results:
| HbA1c value | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Below 5.7% | Normal |
| 5.7% – 6.4% | Prediabetes |
| 6.5% or higher | Diabetes |
Reference ranges can differ between labs. Your report shows the range used by the lab.
Recommended foods:
Foods to limit:
No. Fasting is generally not required because the test measures average blood sugar over several months.
People with diabetes are usually advised to have an HbA1c test every 3–6 months, depending on their treatment plan.
Yes. The HbA1c test is commonly used to diagnose diabetes and prediabetes, along with other clinical assessments.
Yes. OnHealth offers convenient home sample collection in the cities we serve.
| Test name | HbA1c Test |
|---|---|
| Location | Kanpur |
| Sample type | Blood |
| Number of parameters | 2 |
| Home sample collection | Available |
| Fasting | Not required |
| Report time | Within 24–30 hours |
| Recommended age | 5–99 years |
| Suitable for | Male & Female |
Tips to manage diabetes:
Reports are generally available within 24–30 hours after sample collection.
