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Doctor's Assessment Included

Every result includes a professional assessment from a BIG-registered doctor. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.

Metabolic

HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin)

HbA1c provides a long-term blood sugar picture, important for women managing PCOS, gestational diabetes, or metabolic changes during menopause.

What It Measures

This test measures the percentage of haemoglobin in red blood cells that has glucose attached to it. Higher percentages indicate higher average blood sugar over the preceding months.

Why It Matters

HbA1c provides a long-term view of blood sugar control, unlike fasting glucose which reflects a single point in time. It is essential for diabetes diagnosis and management. Consult your healthcare provider.

When to Test

Testing is recommended for routine diabetes screening, monitoring diabetes management, or evaluating risk of pre-diabetes. It does not require fasting, making it convenient for any time of day.

Symptoms

Low Levels

Very low HbA1c may indicate frequent hypoglycaemia episodes or certain blood conditions. It should be discussed with your healthcare provider.

High Levels

Elevated HbA1c may not cause immediate symptoms but indicates poor long-term blood sugar control. Over time, this may be associated with increased risk of cardiovascular, nerve, kidney, and eye complications.

Lifestyle Tips

Consistent carbohydrate management, regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing stress are key to keeping HbA1c within a healthy range. Small, sustained changes are more effective than drastic diets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to fast for an HbA1c test?
No, HbA1c does not require fasting. It measures average blood sugar over months, so a single meal will not significantly affect the result.
How often should I test HbA1c?
For diabetes monitoring, testing every 3-6 months is common. For screening, your healthcare provider will recommend an appropriate frequency.
What is a normal HbA1c range?
Reference ranges vary by guideline. Your healthcare provider can interpret your result and explain what it means for your individual health.

Test Products

This marker is included in the following test panels.