10 Fast facts about the HbA1c blood test

Do you know what an HbA1c blood test is? You will soon! An HbA1c is a test that all those with diabetes should have every few months. Here’s all you need to know.

1. HbA1c stands for haemoglobin A1c, also known as glycated haemoglobin.
   
   
2. What does this mean? HbA1c is formed when glucose sticks to the haemoglobin found in red blood cells.
   
   
3. The longer the glucose in the blood is elevated (i.e. 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 haemoglobin.
   
   
4. 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.
   
   
5. The HbA1c blood test can be done without fasting overnight. The test results do not change even if you’ve just eaten.
   
   
6. The HbA1c is measured as a percentage: 7% or below is the magic number to aim for. It is very difficult to do!
   
   
7. 7% HbA1c = an average blood sugar of 8.6mmol/l. (See below for all the other averages!)
   
   
8. Both people living with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes 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.
   
   
9. The higher the HbA1c, the greater the risk of developing diabetes complications.
   
   
10. 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.
    

When did you last have an HbA1c? Let’s talk about it!

HbA1c results and average blood sugar readings

HbA1c result	Average blood sugar
6.5%	7.8 mmol/l
7%	8.6 mmol/l
7.5%	9.4 mmol/l
8%	10.1 mmol//l
8.5%	10.9 mmol/l
9.0%	11.8 mmol/l
9.5%	12.6 mmol/l
10%	13.4 mmol/l
10.5%	14.2 mmol/l
11%	15.1 mmol/l
11.5%	15.8 mmol/l
12%	16.6 mmol/l

What to read next?

Type 2 diabetes risk factors: Spend 1 minute watching this video and you’ll know if you’re at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

What is normal blood sugar? Here are the numbers to aim for if you have diabetes – and what normal blood sugar looks like.

How to reverse Type 2 diabetes: There is a ‘recipe’ for how to reverse Type 2 diabetes, and we’ve outlined it step-by-step here.