What It Measures#
HbA1c estimates average blood glucose over the previous 2 to 3 months by measuring glycated hemoglobin.
Who Should Take It#
People with diabetes, people at high risk for diabetes, and those on treatment monitoring plans are common candidates.
Preparation#
Fasting is usually not required for HbA1c. Bring prior reports and current medicine list for interpretation.
Normal Range Disclaimer#
Reference ranges can vary by laboratory method and patient context. Clinical interpretation should always include symptoms and history.
Interpretation#
Doctors interpret HbA1c with fasting/post-prandial glucose, symptoms, and comorbid risk to make treatment decisions.
Related Tests#
Fasting glucose, post-prandial glucose, kidney profile, lipid profile, and urine albumin are frequently paired tests.