What is glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c)?

It is a test that measures the percentage of hemoglobin bound to glucose, reflecting blood sugar control over the past 2 to 3 months. A value below 5.7% is normal, between 5.7% and 6.4% indicates prediabetes, and 6.5% or higher indicates diabetes.

What is the difference between prediabetes and diabetes?

Prediabetes means blood sugar levels are elevated but not high enough to diagnose diabetes. Lifestyle changes can prevent progression to type 2 diabetes.

Who should be screened for diabetes?

Adults over 45, people who are overweight, those with a family history of diabetes, sedentary individuals, and women with a history of gestational diabetes.

Diabetes

Diabetes Screening

Diabetes screening includes fasting glucose and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) measurements to detect diabetes mellitus and prediabetes. Fasting glucose reflects current sugar levels, while HbA1c shows the average over the past 2 to 3 months. It is key for early diagnosis and prevention of diabetic complications.

Preparation

Fasting for 8 to 12 hours is required for fasting glucose. No fasting is needed for HbA1c. Avoid high-sugar meals the night before.

Included Tests

LOINC	Test	Unit	Range
2345-7	Glucose	mg/dL	70 – 100
4548-4	Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)	%	4 – 5.6

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