The HbA1c blood test is something that all diabetics should have every few months. But do you know what it is? Here are all the basics so you can be informed.
- HbA1c stands for haemoglobin A1c, also known as glycated haemoglobin.
- What does this mean? HbA1c is formed when glucose sticks to the haemoglobin found in red blood cells.
- The longer the glucose in the blood is elevated (i.e. the longer you have high blood sugar), the higher the HbA1c will be, as more glucose is available to attach to haemoglobin.
- Red blood cells live for 100 to 120 days (3 to 4 months) before they are replaced: therefore, the HbA1c can give a rough estimate of your average blood glucose for the past 3 months.
- The HbA1c blood test can be done without fasting overnight: the test results do not change even if you’ve just eaten.
- The HbA1c is measured as a percentage: 7% or below is the magic number to aim for.
- 7% HbA1c = an average blood sugar of 8.6mmol/l.
- Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics should check their HbA1c every 3 to 6 months depending on the level – every 3 months if your last test was above 7%, every 6 months if you are at 7% or below.
- The higher the HbA1c, the greater the risk of developing diabetes complications.
- All those with diabetes should know their latest HbA1c result and have an HbA1c blood test every few months at their local clinic or hospital. It is a simple blood sample test.
Good day
I’m type 2 diabetic , recently diagnosed and these articles assist me a lot! I would love to receive them via my email.
Kind regards
Great! So happy to hear that, Sipho. You can sign up for our email list here: https://sweetlife.org.za/know-diabetes/
[…] CGM or flash glucose monitor, too. Numerous studies have shown that this diabetes tech can improve HbA1c, reduce time spent in hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and increase time spent in a normal blood […]
[…] to a lab for blood tests. It can be tricky to get a picture of your blood sugar control without an HbA1c test, but until now those have only been available from labs. Prescriptions can now be extended to 12 […]
[…] Avoid blood sugar spikes. Aim for an HbA1c of 7%, which is blood sugar of 8mmol/l or below. Here’s all about the HbA1c. […]
[…] HbA1c. This three-monthly blood test gives a snapshot of your blood glucose in a single percentage (find out more about the HbA1c here). The problem with the HbA1c, though, is that it’s not entirely accurate. You can get the same […]
[…] the previous tests which take a snapshot of a few minutes or hours, the HbA1c is a clever test that gives you a picture of what your blood sugar levels look like over […]
[…] blood sugar control is not perfect. My HbA1C is typically in the sevens, but I think it settles there with a bit much fluctuation. I don’t […]
[…] the previous tests which take a snapshot of a few minutes or hours, the HbA1c is a clever test that gives you a picture of what your blood sugar levels look like over […]
[…] SO overwhelmed. The good news is that I followed instructions and quickly managed to get my HbA1C under control. But being a Type 1 diabetic means that I can indulge occasionally and adjust […]
[…] SO overwhelmed. The good news is that I followed instructions and quickly managed to get my HbA1C under control. But being a Type 1 diabetic means that I can indulge occasionally and adjust […]
[…] when it comes to glucose reports? Understanding your day graph is better than having a perfect HbA1c. Knowledge is […]
[…] Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) […]
[…] guess a warning sign would be an unexplained increased in HbA1c levels or repeated episodes of DKA. Other warning signs would be an over concern of how you look – […]
[…] meet up with a friend at your favourite restaurant afterwards and order a delicious meal. Pair your HbA1c test with a walk on the beach, or a new magazine. Instead of looking at each injection as a painful […]
[…] participants saw dramatic health improvements. They lost weight, insulin sensitivity improved, and HbA1c levels. At the same time, plant-based eating is delicious and can provide a healthier and more varied […]