Biochemistry · Diabetes Monitoring
HbA1c – Glycated Haemoglobin
The gold-standard test for diabetes management — shows your average blood sugar level over the past 2–3 months. No fasting required.
Your 3-Month Sugar Report Card
Think of HbA1c (Glycated Haemoglobin) as your blood sugar's long-term memory. When glucose circulates in the bloodstream, it gradually attaches to haemoglobin — the protein inside red blood cells. The higher the blood sugar over time, the more glucose sticks. Since RBCs survive for roughly 90 days, the percentage of glycated haemoglobin gives a precise picture of your average blood glucose over the past 2–3 months.
Unlike a fasting blood sugar which only captures one moment, HbA1c captures the full story — including post-meal spikes and overnight highs that daily testing might miss. It is the international gold standard for diagnosing diabetes and is used by every major diabetes guideline (ADA, WHO, ICMR) as the primary monitoring parameter for people on treatment.
HbA1c Reference Ranges
| HbA1c Level | Interpretation | Estimated Average Glucose |
|---|---|---|
| Below 5.7% | Normal | ~117 mg/dL |
| 5.7% – 6.4% | Pre-Diabetes | ~126–137 mg/dL |
| 6.5% and above | Diabetes | ≥ 140 mg/dL |
| Below 7.0% | Well-controlled Diabetes (treatment target) | ~154 mg/dL |
Why HbA1c is Better Than Daily Glucose Tests
Preparation
No fasting is required. The test can be done at any time of day. However, HbA1c may give inaccurate results in patients with haemoglobin disorders (e.g., sickle cell, thalassaemia) or severe anaemia — inform your doctor if applicable.
Test Price at Velys Hospital
₹150
Inclusive of collection · Same-day report
Book HbA1c at Velys Hospital
Diabetology support · No fasting · Same-day results · Ahmedabad