HbA1c

• A
• B
• C
• D
• E
• F
• G
• H
• I
• J
• K
• L
• M
• N
• O
• P
• Q
• R
• S
• T
• U
• V
• W
• X

Glycosylated hemoglobin; Hemoglobin - glycosylated; A1C; GHb; Glycohemoglobin; Diabetic control index

HbA1c is normal if it is 5% or less. Normal ranges may vary slightly depending on the laboratory used.

The test can show that your blood glucose levels have not been well-regulated over a period of weeks to months. If the HbA1c value is above 7%, it means your diabetes is poorly controlled. High values mean you are at greater risk of diabetic complications. If you can bring your level down, you decrease your chances of long-term complications.

You should try to keep your level below 7%. Ask your doctor how often you should have your Hb A1c tested (usually every 3 or 6 months is recommended).

Review Date: 08/01/2005
Reviewed By: Nikheel S. Kolatkar, MD, Clinical and Research Fellow, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.