HbA1c measures how much sugar has attached to your red blood cells. Because these cells live for around three months, the result reflects your average blood sugar over that period, not just today.
The ranges doctors commonly use
- Below 5.7%: normal.
- 5.7% to 6.4%: prediabetes. A good time to change diet and activity.
- 6.5% or above: consistent with diabetes, usually confirmed with a repeat test.
For people already living with diabetes, many are advised to aim for around 7% or below, but your doctor will set a target that suits your age and health.
Conditions such as anaemia can affect the result, which is one reason your doctor reads it alongside your other reports.
General information only. It does not replace a consultation with a doctor.
