Blood sugar and diabetes
If you have diabetes you should be checking both blood glucose (a sugar) and HbA1c levels as they give different information.
Your blood glucose level goes up and down all the time as you eat and exercise, and a blood glucose test (usually a finger prick) tells you what your level is right now.
HbA1c is a test that 'averages' out glucose levels over time, giving a trend, to see if your diabetes treatment needs to be adjusted longer term.
This test is for HbA1c, which measures your average blood glucose over the previous 2–3 months by measuring how much glucose has become 'stuck' onto your red blood cells.
Since 2011, the HbA1c test results have been given as millimoles per mole (mmol/mol).
The HbA1c test can be performed at any time of the day, and does not require any special preparation such as fasting.
If you have diabetes, having regular HbA1c tests helps you and your doctor monitor how well your diabetes is being controlled and whether any changes in lifestyle or medication are needed.
Your blood glucose level goes up and down all the time as you eat and exercise, and a blood glucose test (usually a finger prick) tells you what your level is right now.
HbA1c is a test that 'averages' out glucose levels over time, giving a trend, to see if your diabetes treatment needs to be adjusted longer term.
This test is for HbA1c, which measures your average blood glucose over the previous 2–3 months by measuring how much glucose has become 'stuck' onto your red blood cells.
Since 2011, the HbA1c test results have been given as millimoles per mole (mmol/mol).
The HbA1c test can be performed at any time of the day, and does not require any special preparation such as fasting.
If you have diabetes, having regular HbA1c tests helps you and your doctor monitor how well your diabetes is being controlled and whether any changes in lifestyle or medication are needed.
The test
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A small drop of blood is taken from a light finger prick, and quickly analysed in a special machine, the Alere Afinion™ AS100 Analyzer.
It takes about 5-10 mins. There is a charge for this service. |
The results
The HbA1c values (mmol/mol) in the ranges:
<= 40 — is normal. No reason to suspect diabetes.
41-49 — suggests pre-diabetes or 'impaired fasting glucose'.
50+ — suggests diabetes, but is should be confirmed by another test some days apart or other tests.
If you have been diagnosed with diabetes the ranges above 50 varies on the type of diabetes, age, pregnancy, and other factors.
A general guide is:
<=53 — very healthy level. Your treatment is working.
54 - 63 — fair level. Some improvement is possible.
64 - 86 — level much too high. Some action is needed.
86+ — level is very high. Urgent action is needed.
This test may also be useful if you have:
Your results will always be discussed with you.
Although this test may indicate the possibility of diabetes, see your doctor to take further tests.
<= 40 — is normal. No reason to suspect diabetes.
41-49 — suggests pre-diabetes or 'impaired fasting glucose'.
50+ — suggests diabetes, but is should be confirmed by another test some days apart or other tests.
If you have been diagnosed with diabetes the ranges above 50 varies on the type of diabetes, age, pregnancy, and other factors.
A general guide is:
<=53 — very healthy level. Your treatment is working.
54 - 63 — fair level. Some improvement is possible.
64 - 86 — level much too high. Some action is needed.
86+ — level is very high. Urgent action is needed.
This test may also be useful if you have:
- Changes in behavior; or
- Fainting spells; or
- Seizures for the first time.
Your results will always be discussed with you.
Although this test may indicate the possibility of diabetes, see your doctor to take further tests.