Metabolic panel
HbA1c
HbA1c reflects your average blood sugar over roughly the previous two to three months, by measuring how much sugar has attached to your haemoglobin. Unlike a single glucose reading it is not much affected by what you ate that morning.
Typical adult reference range
Below 5.7 is usual, 5.7 to 6.4 is raised, 6.5 and above meets the diabetes threshold · %
Ranges vary between laboratories and by age, sex and method. Always read your own result against the range printed on your own report.
What a high result can mean
A rising HbA1c means average blood sugar has been higher than usual. In the raised band it is often described as prediabetes, which is a signal that changes now can alter what happens next. Above the diabetes threshold it is normally confirmed with a second test.
What a low result can mean
A low HbA1c is uncommon and can reflect conditions that shorten red cell lifespan, recent blood loss or transfusion, or some anaemias, rather than unusually good sugar control.
What commonly affects this result
Anything that changes red cell lifespan, including anaemia, recent transfusion, pregnancy, kidney disease, and some haemoglobin variants.
Questions worth asking your doctor
- Does this need confirming with a second test?
- What would you like this number to be at my next check?
- Would a glucose or fasting test add anything here?
See what your own results say
Upload your blood test and get a plain English summary of every value on it, with the questions worth raising at your next appointment.
Analyse my resultsThis page explains what a test measures. It is general information, not medical advice, and it cannot tell you what your own result means. Reference ranges differ between laboratories, and results are only meaningful alongside your history, your symptoms and your other results. Always discuss your results with your doctor.