10 fast facts about the HbA1c blood test

10 Fast Facts About the HbA1c Blood Test Do you know what an HbA1c blood test is? You will soon!

Everyone with diabetes should have an HbA1c test every few months. Here’s everything you need to know.

HbA1c stands for hemoglobin-A1c, also known as glycated hemoglobin. What does that mean? HbA1c forms when glucose clings to the hemoglobin in your red blood cells. The longer the glucose in the blood is elevated (so the longer you have high blood sugar), the higher the HbA1c will be. This is because there is more glucose available to attach to the hemoglobin. Red blood cells live 100 to 120 days (3 to 4 months) before they are replaced. The HbA1c can therefore give you a rough estimate of your average blood glucose over the past 3 months. The HbA1c blood test can be done without an overnight fast. The test results do not change even if you have just eaten. The HbA1c is measured as a percentage: 7% or lower is the desirable number you should aim for. It is very difficult! 7% HbA1c = an average blood sugar of 8.6 mmol/l. (See below for all the other averages.) People with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes should have their HbA1c tested every 3 to 6 months, depending on the level. Every 3 months if your last test was above 7%, every 6 months if it is at or below 7%. The higher the HbA1c, the greater the risk that you may develop diabetes complications. Everyone with diabetes should know their latest HbA1c number and have an HbA1c blood test every few months at their local clinic or hospital. This is a simple test with a blood sample.

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HbA1c results and average blood sugar readings