Want to know your true blood sugar control over the past few months, or need to monitor how well your diabetes management strategy is working?
Get the gold standard assessment of your long-term blood sugar control with our HbA1c Blood Test. This crucial test provides a 2-3 month average of your blood glucose levels, essential for diagnosing diabetes, monitoring treatment effectiveness, and preventing complications.
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So how does it work?
Bloody Good is a single portal for ordering, tracking, and reviewing on-demand health testing. Get started with three simple steps:
1
Book your test
Choose the testing that suits your goals. After ordering, you will receive your referral by email.
2
Collect your samples
Have your sample collected at one of our 4000+ partner collection centres.
3
View your results
View your lab results and receive a personalised review from the secure Bloody Good platform.
Think of HbA1c as your blood sugar's report card for the past few months – it's like having a security camera that records everything, rather than just taking a snapshot of one moment. When sugar floats around in your bloodstream, some of it naturally sticks to your red blood cells (kind of like how honey sticks to everything it touches). Since these cells live for about three to four months, measuring how much sugar has attached to them gives us a reliable picture of your average blood sugar levels over that entire time period, regardless of whether you had pizza last night or skipped breakfast this morning.
This makes HbA1c incredibly valuable for catching diabetes early, monitoring how well treatments are working, and understanding your risk for serious health complications down the road. While a regular glucose test might fluctuate based on stress, illness, or your last meal, HbA1c cuts through all that noise to show the real story of how your body has been managing sugar over time. Higher levels suggest your body is struggling to keep blood sugar in check, which can lead to problems with your heart, kidneys, nerves, and vision if left unmanaged – but the good news is that knowing your number gives you the power to take action before these issues develop.
Reviewed by Dr. Vu Tran Bloody Good’s Chief Medical Officer
You may benefit from the Glycated Haemoglobin (HbA1c) Blood Test
This test is essential for monitoring long-term glucose control, assessing diabetes risk, and guiding treatment decisions, especially for those with diabetes, prediabetes, or related risk factors.
Blood sugar spikes after eating
Feeling tired after eating
Intense sugar cravings
Family history of diabetes
Prediabetes diagnosis
Excessive thirst throughout the day
Frequent urination during the day
Feeling thirsty even after drinking fluids
Blurred vision that comes and goes
Double vision
Diabetes medication monitoring
Low-carb diet effects
Sedentary lifestyle
How to prepare
No fasting required - this is a major advantage over glucose tests. Can be taken at any time of day regardless of meals. No special preparation needed. Continue usual medications and diet. Certain blood conditions or recent blood transfusions may affect results, so inform your healthcare provider.
Understanding results
Normal (low diabetes risk): <42 mmol/mol (<6.0%); Prediabetes: 42-47 mmol/mol (6.0-6.4%); Diabetes: ≥48 mmol/mol (≥6.5%). For people with diabetes: Target <53 mmol/mol (<7%) for most adults, though individual targets may vary. Higher levels indicate poorer glucose control and increased risk of complications.
After the test
Discuss results with your healthcare provider to determine appropriate management strategies. Elevated levels may require lifestyle interventions (diet, exercise, weight management) or medication adjustments. For diabetes diagnosis, results may need confirmation with repeat testing. Regular monitoring typically every 3-6 months for people with diabetes, annually for those at risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
HbA1c reflects average glucose control over 2-3 months, providing a more complete picture than daily tests which can vary significantly based on meals, stress, illness, and time of day.
People with diabetes typically need testing every 3-6 months, while those at risk may need annual testing. Frequency depends on diabetes control, treatment changes, and individual circumstances.
In rare cases, certain blood conditions or rapid red blood cell turnover can affect HbA1c accuracy. Additional glucose testing may be needed for diagnosis in these situations.
Blood disorders, kidney disease, certain medications, recent blood loss or transfusions, and some genetic variants can influence results. Always inform your healthcare provider about medical conditions and medications.
Individual targets may vary based on age, other health conditions, risk of hypoglycemia, and life expectancy. Work with your healthcare provider to determine your personal target.
HbA1c reflects 2-3 months of glucose control, so improvements typically become apparent after this timeframe. Consistent lifestyle changes and appropriate medication can lead to significant improvements over time.
Bloody Good is a single portal for ordering, tracking, and reviewing on-demand health testing.
365 Health Check
Spot subtle changes before they become big problems. Our comprehensive health check scans for potential risks across every major body system, giving you the chance to take action early when interventions are most effective.
We have over 200 private on-demand biomarker tests available. From testosterone to vitamin D, you can order the tests you need and take control of your health.
Find answers to common questions about our products and services.
Most collection centres accept walk-ins. Some may require a booking - check details when you click on your chosen location.
If your test needs fasting, we’ll include that in your instructions after you order. Fasting usually means no food for 8–12 hours, but water is fine.
Just your pathology referral form (we email it to you)
Of course. Just maybe don’t bring the friend who faints at the sight of blood.
They’re the highly trained professionals who take your blood sample - with a steady hand and a sharp needle. They love blood, but don’t worry… they’re not vampires. Just legends who make blood tests quick, clean, and (almost) painless.
Some of our tests include Urine, Stool, Saliva and more. Each test will have a clear description on what sample you will need to give and instructions on how.
Having seen the GP regularly, I thought I had everything covered. I had no idea I had Type II diabetes as I was symptomless. Now I can manage it before it gets really bad. I never would have caught it this early if I hadn't used Bloody Good.
