What is an ideal HbA1c?
An ideal HbA1c level depends on whether you have diabetes or are at risk of developing it.
Normal HbA1c = 20-42 mmol/mol (or 4-6%).
- Non-diabetics: A normal HbA1c level is below 36 mmol/mol (5.5%).
- People at risk of developing diabetes (prediabetes): An ideal HbA1c level is below 42 mmol/mol (6%).
- People with diabetes: An ideal HbA1c level is 48 mmol/mol (6.5%) or below.
What is HbA1c?
HbA1c is a blood test that is used to diagnose and manage diabetes. It is a type of haemoglobin (found in red blood cells, whose function is to carry oxygen) that has a sugar molecule stuck to it.
It is also called glycated haemoglobin and haemoglobin A1c; and measures the average blood sugar levels in your blood, over the last three months.
In other words, it is best not to measure it more than every 3 months, 2 months maximum.
High levels of glucose in the blood can damage blood vessels and lead to complications (blindness, heart attacks, strokes, PVD, CKD).
How does it relate to a finger-prick blood glucose test?
It’s different from a finger-prick test, which is a snapshot of your blood sugar levels at a particular time, on a particular day.
