HbA1c (Glycated Haemoglobin)
A blood marker reflecting your average blood sugar levels over roughly the past 2-3 months.
This is educational information, not a diagnosis. Only a doctor reviewing your full report and history can properly interpret your result.
What It Is
HbA1c measures the percentage of haemoglobin in red blood cells that has glucose attached to it. Because red blood cells last around three months, this gives an average picture of blood sugar over that period rather than a single-moment snapshot.
Why It Matters
Unlike a fasting glucose reading, HbA1c isn't affected by what you ate that morning, which makes it a useful marker for spotting longer-term patterns in blood sugar control, including prediabetes trends.
Typical Reference Range
General population reference ranges are often described in bands roughly below 5.7%, between 5.7-6.4%, and 6.5% and above, but how these bands are interpreted depends on the full clinical picture, not the number alone.
What Can Affect Your Results
- Long-term dietary patterns and carbohydrate intake
- Physical activity levels
- Certain blood conditions that affect red blood cell lifespan
- Some medications
- Body weight and insulin resistance
When It's Typically Checked
HbA1c is typically checked during annual health screening, and monitored more frequently for anyone managing prediabetes or diabetes.
Related Tests
Medical Disclaimer
This page is provided for general educational purposes only and does not diagnose, treat, or interpret your individual results. Reference ranges vary between laboratories and testing methods, and a result outside a ‘typical’ range does not necessarily indicate a health problem, just as a result inside it doesn’t rule one out. Only a qualified physician reviewing your complete health picture can properly interpret your lab results — please discuss your reports with Dr Naturals or your treating doctor rather than relying on this page alone.