Hemoglobin A1c
90-day average blood sugar — the definitive marker of glycemic control and diabetes risk.
Blood draw
24 hrs
Physician-reviewed
What this panel measures
- HbA1c — the percentage of hemoglobin coated with glucose
- Reflects your average blood sugar over the past 90 days
Why providers order it
- Diabetes and prediabetes screening
- Monitoring glycemic control if you already have diabetes
- Evaluating the impact of diet, exercise, or medication changes over a season
- Investigating fatigue, thirst, or frequent urination
No fasting is required — the test reflects your average over three months, not a single moment.
Hemoglobin A1c: frequently asked questions
What is a normal HbA1c level?
Below 5.7% is considered normal. 5.7–6.4% indicates prediabetes, and 6.5% or higher on two separate tests meets the threshold for diabetes. Your provider interprets the number alongside your full history.
How often should HbA1c be checked?
People managing diabetes typically test every 3 months. For screening, once a year alongside an annual panel is common — more often if your provider is tracking a borderline result.
Does HbA1c require fasting?
No. Because it averages roughly 90 days of blood sugar, a single meal does not affect it.
Often ordered together
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel
Glucose, electrolytes, kidney and liver enzymes — the foundational snapshot of metabolic health.
Advanced Lipid Panel + ApoB
Beyond standard cholesterol: particle counts and ApoB for true cardiovascular risk stratification.
This page is educational and does not replace medical advice. Testing decisions should be reviewed with a licensed provider.