HbA1C

The glycosylated haemoglobin concentration represents the average blood glucose level over the previous several weeks. Also known as HbA1c

Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is a measurement of glucose levels in your blood. This is more advanced than a simple blood glucose test, which gives a snapshot view only. Glucose attaches itself to the red blood cells, and as these red cells exist for around 8-12 weeks, knowledge of the amount of glucose attached can provide an idea of the level of sugar in your blood in recent weeks.

Knowing this background level of glucose is important if you are looking to monitor or diagnose type 2 diabetes. This test also aids in understanding how well-controlled blood sugar levels are being managed for people who already have been diagnosed with diabetes.