HbA1c (glycated haemoglobin) measures your average blood sugar over the past 2–3 months in a single blood test. It is the gold standard for diagnosing diabetes and pre-diabetes and for tracking how well diabetes is controlled — no fasting needed.
Clinical use cases
Why doctors order it
Diabetes diagnosis and monitoring
Diabetes mellitus
Pre-diabetes
Poor glycaemic control
3-month average blood sugar
Diabetes diagnosis & monitoring
About this test
HbA1c (glycated haemoglobin) measures your average blood sugar over the past 2–3 months in a single blood test. It is the gold standard for diagnosing diabetes and pre-diabetes and for tracking how well diabetes is controlled — no fasting needed.
Clinical significance
Because HbA1c reflects 2–3 months of average glucose, it is more reliable than a single sugar reading for diagnosis and long-term control. A rising HbA1c signals worsening control and a higher risk of diabetic complications affecting the eyes, kidneys, nerves and heart. Most people with diabetes aim for under 7%.
Get tested if you have these symptoms
Increased thirst and frequent urination
Unexplained tiredness or weight loss
Blurred vision
Slow-healing wounds or frequent infections
Family history of diabetes, overweight or PCOS
Routine diabetes monitoring (every 3 months)
What this test detects
Diabetes mellitus
Pre-diabetes
Poor glycaemic control
Included panels
2 analytes · 1 panel
2Glycated Haemoglobin
HbA1c (% IFCC)
Estimated Average Glucose (eAG, mg/dL)
Normal ranges
Normal: < 5.7%
Pre-diabetes: 5.7–6.4%
Diabetes: ≥ 6.5%
Good control (if diabetic): < 7%
Reference ranges vary by lab and patient demographic. Interpret with a clinician.
Sample & preparation
Sample type
Blood (EDTA)
Fasting
Not required
Report TAT
Same day / 24 hours
Home collection
Available
How to prepare
1No fasting required
Frequently asked questions
What is the HbA1c (Glycosylated Haemoglobin)?
HbA1c (glycated haemoglobin) measures your average blood sugar over the past 2–3 months in a single blood test. It is the gold standard for diagnosing diabetes and pre-diabetes and for tracking how well diabetes is controlled — no fasting needed.
What conditions does the HbA1c (Glycosylated Haemoglobin) detect?
The HbA1c (Glycosylated Haemoglobin) helps detect and monitor conditions including Diabetes mellitus, Pre-diabetes, Poor glycaemic control.
How should I prepare for the HbA1c (Glycosylated Haemoglobin)?
No fasting required
What is the normal range for the HbA1c (Glycosylated Haemoglobin)?
Normal: < 5.7%
Pre-diabetes: 5.7–6.4%
Diabetes: ≥ 6.5%
Good control (if diabetic): < 7% Note: reference ranges may vary by laboratory and should be interpreted by your doctor in the context of your overall health.
How much does the HbA1c (Glycosylated Haemoglobin) cost?
The HbA1c (Glycosylated Haemoglobin) is available at ₹299 (MRP ₹599) on PingMeDoc with free home sample collection. Prices are inclusive of sample collection charges.
Do I need to fast for an HbA1c test?
No. HbA1c reflects your average sugar over 2–3 months, so it can be done at any time of day without fasting and regardless of when you last ate.
What is a normal HbA1c level?
Below 5.7% is normal, 5.7–6.4% indicates pre-diabetes, and 6.5% or above indicates diabetes. Most people already diagnosed with diabetes aim to keep HbA1c under 7%.
What does a high HbA1c mean?
A high HbA1c means your average blood sugar has been elevated over the past few months, indicating diabetes or poor control. It raises the long-term risk of damage to the eyes, kidneys, nerves and heart, so it should be reviewed with your doctor.
How often should HbA1c be tested?
If you have well-controlled diabetes, every 6 months is typical; if control is changing or treatment is being adjusted, every 3 months is recommended. People at risk may be screened once a year.
Does the HbA1c (Glycosylated Haemoglobin) test require fasting?
No fasting is required for the HbA1c (Glycosylated Haemoglobin) test. You can eat and drink normally before sample collection.
How much does the HbA1c (Glycosylated Haemoglobin) test cost at PingMeDoc?
The HbA1c (Glycosylated Haemoglobin) test costs ₹299 at PingMeDoc (MRP ₹599). Free home sample collection is included. NABL-accredited lab processing. Reports delivered digitally in same day / 24 hours.
How long does it take to get HbA1c (Glycosylated Haemoglobin) test results?
HbA1c (Glycosylated Haemoglobin) test results are typically available within same day / 24 hours after sample collection. You can view and download your digital report from your PingMeDoc dashboard.
What type of sample is needed for the HbA1c (Glycosylated Haemoglobin) test?
The HbA1c (Glycosylated Haemoglobin) test requires blood (edta). A trained phlebotomist will collect the sample at your home at your preferred time slot.
Is the HbA1c (Glycosylated Haemoglobin) test NABL accredited?
Yes. All lab tests on PingMeDoc, including the HbA1c (Glycosylated Haemoglobin) test, are processed by NABL-accredited and ISO-certified labs. Reports are reviewed and available on your dashboard.
Is home sample collection free for this test?
Yes. Home sample collection for the HbA1c (Glycosylated Haemoglobin) test is free when booking through PingMeDoc. A phlebotomist visits your home or office at your scheduled time slot.
What conditions does the HbA1c (Glycosylated Haemoglobin) test help screen for?
HbA1c (glycated haemoglobin) measures your average blood sugar over the past 2–3 months in a single blood test. It is the gold standard for diagnosing diabetes and pre-diabetes and for tracking how well diabetes is controlled — no fasting needed. It is commonly used for: Diabetes diagnosis, Pre-diabetes screening, Diabetes management monitoring, Treatment effectiveness evaluation.
How should I prepare for the HbA1c (Glycosylated Haemoglobin) test?
No fasting required. Can eat and drink normally. Inform about recent blood transfusions as they may affect results. Continue diabetes medications as prescribed.
Test details are for general information only and not a substitute for medical advice. Reference ranges vary between labs. Always discuss results with a registered medical practitioner before starting, stopping or changing any treatment.
₹299₹59950% OFF
Free home collection
What this test measures
2 parameters in the HbA1c (Glycosylated Haemoglobin)
The HbA1c (Glycosylated Haemoglobin) reports the following parameters. Reference ranges are typical adult values from NABL-accredited partner labs and may vary slightly by lab, age and sex — always read results with your doctor.
Parameter
Reference range
Unit
HbA1c
Normal <5.7 | Prediabetes 5.7-6.4 | Diabetes >=6.5
Because HbA1c reflects 2–3 months of average glucose
it is more reliable than a single sugar reading for diagnosis and long-term control. A rising HbA1c signals worsening control and a higher risk of diabetic complications affecting the eyes
kidneys
nerves and heart. Most people with diabetes aim for under 7%.
Get the HbA1c (Glycosylated Haemoglobin) if you have these symptoms
HbA1c (glycated haemoglobin) measures your average blood sugar over the past 2–3 months in a single blood test. It is the gold standard for diagnosing diabetes and pre-diabetes and for tracking how well diabetes is controlled — no fasting needed.
What conditions does the HbA1c (Glycosylated Haemoglobin) detect?
The HbA1c (Glycosylated Haemoglobin) helps detect and monitor conditions including Diabetes mellitus, Pre-diabetes, Poor glycaemic control.
How should I prepare for the HbA1c (Glycosylated Haemoglobin)?
No fasting required
What is the normal range for the HbA1c (Glycosylated Haemoglobin)?
Normal: < 5.7%
Pre-diabetes: 5.7–6.4%
Diabetes: ≥ 6.5%
Good control (if diabetic): < 7% Note: reference ranges may vary by laboratory and should be interpreted by your doctor in the context of your overall health.
How much does the HbA1c (Glycosylated Haemoglobin) cost?
The HbA1c (Glycosylated Haemoglobin) is available at Rs 299 (MRP Rs 599) on PingMeDoc with free home sample collection across India. Prices are inclusive of sample collection charges.
