HbA1c
Also known as: A1c test, 3-month sugar test, teen mahine wali sugar, sugar ka 3 mahine wala test
The percentage of haemoglobin with sugar attached. It reflects your average blood sugar over roughly the past 2–3 months.
Why it's ordered
Screening for and diagnosing diabetes and prediabetes, and checking how well diabetes is controlled.
Preparation
No fasting needed. Can be done at any time of day.
Typical adult values
| Normal | below 5.7% |
|---|---|
| Prediabetes | 5.7–6.4% |
| Diabetes | 6.5% or higher (confirmed on a repeat test) |
Ranges vary between labs and methods. Always use the range printed on your report.
If it's high
Higher values mean higher average sugar. In diabetes, many adults aim for below 7%, but your doctor sets your personal target.
If it's low
Unusually low values can be caused by conditions that shorten red-cell life, such as haemolysis or recent blood loss.
Good to know
HbA1c can be misleading with anaemia, thalassaemia trait, kidney failure, pregnancy or a recent transfusion. In those cases, fasting glucose may be more reliable.
Common questions
Do I need to fast for HbA1c?
No fasting needed. It can be done at any time of day.
Is an HbA1c of 6 prediabetes?
Yes, 6% falls in the prediabetes range of 5.7–6.4%. Always use the range printed on your report.
Does an HbA1c of 6.5 mean diabetes?
6.5% or higher is in the diabetes range, confirmed on a repeat test. Always use the range printed on your report.
Can HbA1c be misleading?
Yes. It can be misleading with anaemia, thalassaemia trait, kidney failure, pregnancy or a recent transfusion. In those cases, fasting glucose may be more reliable.