Monitor your diabetes or pre-diabetes risk with the HbA1c test — the gold standard for long-term blood sugar management. No fasting required.
The HbA1c test (Hemoglobin A1c, or Glycated Hemoglobin) measures the percentage of hemoglobin in your blood that has glucose attached to it. Because red blood cells live for approximately 2–3 months, HbA1c provides a reliable 3-month average of your blood sugar levels — unlike a fasting blood sugar (FBS) test which only reflects glucose at a single point in time.
The HbA1c is now the primary test for diagnosing diabetes and pre-diabetes, and for monitoring how well existing diabetes is being controlled. A major advantage is that no fasting is required — you can eat normally and get tested any time of day. It is recommended that all individuals above 30 years of age, especially those with risk factors like obesity, family history, or sedentary lifestyle, get this test done annually.
| HbA1c Value | Interpretation | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Below 5.7% | Normal | Routine annual monitoring |
| 5.7–6.4% | Pre-Diabetes | Lifestyle changes; retest in 6 months |
| 6.5% and above | Diabetes | Confirm with FBS/PPBS; start treatment |
| Below 7.0% (in diabetics) | Well Controlled | Continue current management |
| 7.0–8.0% (in diabetics) | Acceptable | Review medication/diet |
| Above 8.0% (in diabetics) | Poorly Controlled | Urgent review with doctor |
Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) measures glucose at one moment after 8–12 hours of fasting — a snapshot. HbA1c measures average blood sugar over 3 months — a full picture. A person can have normal FBS but elevated HbA1c if their sugar spikes after meals. For comprehensive diabetes screening, both tests are recommended. Rognidan's Health Package includes both FBS and HbA1c.