HbA1c, sometimes called glycated haemoglobin, is a blood test that reflects your average blood sugar over roughly the previous two to three months. Unlike a single fasting reading, it is not affected by what you ate yesterday, which makes it a useful measure of overall control.
What is a good HbA1c?
For many adults with diabetes, a target below 7% is commonly used, but the right target is individual. It depends on your age, other health conditions, risk of low blood sugar and how long you have had diabetes. Your doctor will set a target that suits you.
How often should it be checked?
Usually every three to six months, depending on how stable your control is and whether your treatment has recently changed. HbA1c works best alongside home glucose readings, which show day-to-day patterns that an average can hide.
When the result can mislead
Conditions such as anaemia and some haemoglobin variants can make HbA1c read higher or lower than your true average. If your numbers do not match your home readings, mention it to your doctor.
