What Is HbA1c?
HbA1c (hemoglobin A1c) reflects your average blood sugar level over the past two to three months. Unlike fasting glucose — which is a snapshot — HbA1c shows the trend.
It's the standard test for diagnosing prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.
How It Works
Glucose attaches to hemoglobin in red blood cells. The more glucose over time, the more gets attached. Because red blood cells live 90–120 days, HbA1c reflects roughly 3 months of blood sugar levels.
HbA1c Reference Ranges
Below 5.5%: Normal. 5.5–5.9%: Optimal. 6.0–6.4%: Prediabetes. 6.5%+: Type 2 diabetes (confirmed by second test).
How to Lower HbA1c
- Reducing refined carbohydrates and added sugars
- Increasing fibre intake
- Regular exercise — both aerobic and resistance training
- Weight reduction
- Sleep quality
- Medications — metformin, GLP-1 agonists when lifestyle changes are insufficient
Is HbA1c Tested in a Standard Physical?
Sometimes, for adults with risk factors. In the Core Health Assessment, HbA1c is included alongside fasting glucose, fasting insulin, and HOMA-IR.
