A1C

HbA1c (glycated haemoglobin) is a blood test that reflects your average blood sugar over the previous 2-3 months. Unlike a random or fasting sugar — which shows just that moment — HbA1c shows overall control. It is the standard test both for diagnosing diabetes and for tracking how well it's being managed.

What the number means

• Normal: below 5.7%
• Pre-diabetes: 5.7% - 6.4%
• Diabetes: 6.5% or above on two occasions
• Target in most adults with diabetes: under 7% (your Health Expert may set a different target based on age, other illnesses, pregnancy, or risk of hypoglycaemia)

How often to check

• Every 3 months if sugar is not well controlled or medicines have changed.
• Every 6 months if stable.
• At least once a year for everyone with diabetes.
• For people with pre-diabetes or strong family history — every 1-2 years as a screen.

Practical points

• No fasting is required for an HbA1c test.
• Haemoglobin abnormalities (thalassaemia, anaemia, sickle-cell trait) can distort HbA1c — common enough in India that a Health Expert should know your haemoglobin status.
• An HbA1c alone doesn't tell you about highs and lows — people with mixed swings can look "controlled" while actually unstable. Home glucometer readings or continuous glucose monitoring give a fuller picture.
• HbA1c is a number to respect, not worship — quality of life, complication prevention, and avoiding hypoglycaemia matter too.

India-specific context

India has one of the largest diabetes populations in the world. HbA1c testing is widely available — Rs. 300-600 at most labs, often bundled in annual check-up packages and some government clinics. Knowing your number is the first step; acting on it is what matters.