Cardiovascular Disease - Bloody Good
Diabetes

Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) test

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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Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) test

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?

Overview

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

Symptoms

You may benefit from this test if you experience:
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

Purpose

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.

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.
Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) test

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How it works

What to expect

We want you to feel bloody good—inside and out. Regular testing isn’t just about checking your current health; it helps you spot abnormal values you might not know about.

1

Book your referral

Choose the testing that suits your goals. After ordering, you will receive your referral by email.

2

Collect your sample

Easy sample collection at one of our 4000+ partner collection centres throughout Australia. Find nearest

3
Receive your results

Receive your results

View your lab results and receive a personalised review from the secure Bloody Good platform.

Before vs. Bloody Good

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Old Way

Traditional System

  • Confusing reports and medical jargon in a PDF (if you're lucky to get a report)
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