HbA1c is a term you might hear used a lot when discussing diabetes. It’s generally used to assess how well managed your diabetes is, and if any changes need to be made to your management plan. Read on to find out more about HbA1c and how it can be helpful.
Haemoglobin A1c (or HbA1c) is a very important measurement for monitoring your diabetes. In your blood, glucose and haemoglobin (the protein in your red blood cells) bind together. This new molecule is called glycated haemoglobin, shortened to HbA1c. If your blood glucose levels are high, more glucose will bind to your haemoglobin, causing your HbA1c levels to increase.
When you have an HbA1c test, this indicates how much glucose has been in your blood over roughly the last three months.
HbA1c monitoring is done by a healthcare professional using either a finger prick or a blood sample. HbA1c levels may be written as a percentage (%) or as ‘millimoles per mole’ (mmol/mol).2
HbA1c measurements can be used to diagnose diabetes. If you already have diabetes, your doctor may use these measurements to decide on your treatment plan, and help you set a target to lower your HbA1c. They will then regularly check your HbA1c levels to assess whether the plan needs to be updated.1,2
An optimal HbA1c is below 5.7% (39 mmol/mol).
HbA1c between 5.7–6.4% (39–47 mmol/mol) indicates pre-diabetes. This means you are at risk of developing diabetes.
HbA1c of 6.5% (48 mmol/mol) or above indicates diabetes.
In general, higher HbA1c levels mean you are at higher risk for developing long-term complications of diabetes. These include:
Heart disease and stroke
Foot problems
Eye problems (retinopathy)
Kidney problems (nephropathy)
Nerve damage (neuropathy)
It’s therefore important that your HbA1c is checked regularly to make sure your diabetes is being well managed. Your doctor will advise you how often you should have your HbA1c levels checked.
1–2 serves of Glucerna per day has been clinically shown to help reduce HbA1c levels within 6 months for type 2 diabetes.*4
Eating right when you have diabetes doesn’t have to be complex – it is about knowing what is best for you and your diabetes management plan. Knowing which foods are low-GI can be a helpful way of keeping track of your diet. Read on for a breakdown of what ‘low-GI carbohydrate’ means and how this might be helpful.
While there is no cure for diabetes, many treatments are available to help control blood glucose levels. A healthy lifestyle plays a big role in managing blood glucose levels and reducing the risk of complications.5 This article will explain briefly how type 2 diabetes is managed.
When you have diabetes, you may wonder what ‘eating right’ means for you.
Here we’re busting some of the myths around food and diabetes. Keep reading to learn more.
Glucerna is Food for Special Medical Purposes. Use under medical supervision.
*As part of a lifestyle intervention including diet, exercise and motivational interviewing.
References: 1. Health Direct. HbA1c test. 2020. Available online at: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/hba1c-test. 2. The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. Management of type 2 diabetes: A handbook for general practice. 2020. Available online at: https://www.racgp.org.au/getattachment/41fee8dc-7f97-4f87-9d90-b7af337af778/Management-of-type-2-diabetes-A-handbook-for-general-practice.aspx. Accessed May 2023. 3. American Diabetes Association. Standards of Care in Diabetes 2023. Diabetes Care. 2023;46(Suppl.1):S1-291. 4. 4. Chee WSS, et al. BMJ Open Diabetes Res Care. 2017;5:e000384. 5. Better Health Channel. Diabetes. Available at: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/diabetes. Accessed May 2023.
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