What is a normal HbA1c level?

According to current ADA guidelines, a normal HbA1c is below 5.7% (below 39 mmol/mol). Levels between 5.7% and 6.4% indicate prediabetes, and 6.5% or higher indicates diabetes, generally requiring confirmation with a second test.

How is HbA1c different from a regular blood sugar test?

A regular blood glucose test measures your blood sugar at a single moment, which can be influenced by recent food, stress, or illness. HbA1c reflects your average blood sugar over the past 2-3 months, offering a more stable, longer-term picture.

Can HbA1c results be wrong or misleading?

Yes, genuinely. Conditions that affect red blood cell lifespan or structure, including various anaemias, chronic kidney disease, haemoglobin variants like sickle cell trait, and pregnancy, can produce falsely high or falsely low HbA1c results that don't accurately reflect true average blood sugar.