The test for HbA1c indicates how well you have controlled your diabetes over the last few months. Even though you may have some very high or very low blood glucose values, HbA1c will give you a picture of the average amount of glucose in your blood over that time period. The result can help you and your doctor know if the measures you are taking to control your diabetes are working.

The NHMRC recommends that for all individuals with diabetes HbA1c is measured at least twice a year. HbA1c may be measured more frequently in those who have just been diagnosed with diabetes, in those whose blood glucose remains too high, or when a treatment plan changes.

If you have diabetes and your HbA1c is below the target of 7% it is likely that your diabetes is in good control. If your HbA1c rises above 7%, you are at increased risk of developing long term complications such as eye disease, kidney disease or nerve damage.

NOTE: A standard reference range is not usually available on this site for tests. Because reference values are dependent on many factors, including patient age, gender, sample population, and test method, numeric test results have different meanings in different laboratories. Your laboratory report should include the specific reference range for your test. Lab Tests Online AU strongly recommends that you discuss your test results with your doctor. For more information on reference ranges, please read Reference ranges and what they mean.

If you have an abnormal type of haemoglobin, for example if you suffer from sickle cell disease, accurate results will depend on the method used to measure your HbA1c. If you have haemolysis or heavy bleeding, your test results may be falsely low. Finally, if you are iron deficient, this may raise your HbA1c measurement.