What Is The HbA1c (%) Glycated Haemoglobin Test For?
Please refer to the information for HbA1c in mmol/mol units. We include the percentage to aid comparison against any previous values.
HbA1c (%) Glycated Haemoglobin Testing
All you need to know about testing HbA1c (%) Glycated Haemoglobin levels with a laboratory test
- What is the HbA1c (%) Glycated Haemoglobin test for?
- How to test HbA1c (%) Glycated Haemoglobin?
- What if HbA1c (%) Glycated Haemoglobin results are low?
- Who should take the Diabetes (HbA1c) Blood test?
- Can the HbA1c (%) Glycated Haemoglobin test replace regular blood glucose testing if I have diabetes?
- Are there any special precautions I need to take while using the HbA1c (%) Glycated Haemoglobin test kit?
- What should I do if my HbA1c (%) Glycated Haemoglobin test results are negative?
- What should I do if my HbA1c (%) Glycated Haemoglobin test results are positive?
- How should I interpret the results of the HbA1c (%) Glycated Haemoglobin test?
- How is the HbA1c (%) Glycated Haemoglobin test performed?
- How does the HbA1c (%) Glycated Haemoglobin test work?
- What are the symptoms that can be detected with the HbA1c (%) Glycated Haemoglobin test?
- What conditions can the HbA1c (%) Glycated Haemoglobin test help diagnose?
- What is the HbA1c (%) Glycated Haemoglobin test?
HbA1c (%) Glycated Haemoglobin Testing UK Statistics 2026
11.6% of people tested have HbA1c (%) Glycated Haemoglobin levels which are too high.
And 0.8% have levels that are too low.
5.6
Low
< 4.0
Normal
4.0 - 6.0
High
6.0 +
The average HbA1c (%) Glycated Haemoglobin result is 5.6 %
Note what is normal for you may differ for your age and sex.
Are you in the 87.6% with normal results?
Get Tested ›How To Test HbA1c (%) Glycated Haemoglobin
By buying a laboratory test kit with professional nurse or clinic collection, you can accurately measure HbA1c (%) Glycated Haemoglobin for total reassurance.
Professional analysis in an accredited laboratory ensures rapid result delivery.
The Vitall Diabetes (HbA1c) nurse or clinic test kit includes a HbA1c (%) Glycated Haemoglobin test and is available for just £59.00.
Tests which include a HbA1c (%) Glycated Haemoglobin test:
What if HbA1c (%) Glycated Haemoglobin Results Are Low?
Low HbA1c is generally seen as favourable for blood sugar control, but it can also be linked to factors that lower or shorten red blood cell survival or affect haemoglobin.
- Excess alcohol consumption
- Liver disease
- Certain genetic blood disorders
- Low red blood cell levels
- Abnormal haemoglobin (for example, sickle cell disease)
- Haemolysis or heavy bleeding, which can make HbA1c results appear falsely low
This finding is often reviewed further to clarify the cause.
Who Should Take This Test?
Measure your HbA1c (%) Glycated Haemoglobin levels and assess average blood sugar levels & risk from type 2 diabetes with a Diabetes (HbA1c) nurse or clinic finger-prick bloodtest kit
You get the convenient testing with the reassurance of professional clinical analysis. Your results are delivered quickly & securely online.
This Diabetes (HbA1c) Test is advised if you:
- want the convenience of home testing without waiting for a GP appointment;
- need a high quality, clinically accredited test done in a professional clinical laboratory.
Can the HbA1c (%) Glycated Haemoglobin test replace regular blood glucose testing if I have diabetes?
No, while the HbA1c test provides a longer-term view of blood glucose control, it doesn't replace daily, self-monitoring of blood glucose levels. This is because the HbA1c test doesn't provide a real-time view or help in management of daily insulin dosing.
Are there any special precautions I need to take while using the HbA1c (%) Glycated Haemoglobin test kit?
No special precautions are needed. Just make sure your hands are clean and dry before pricking your finger. Make sure to use the lancet and collection tube as directed, and send the sample to the lab as soon as possible.
What should I do if my HbA1c (%) Glycated Haemoglobin test results are positive?
If your result is high, indicating prediabetes or diabetes, you should consult with your GP or a healthcare professional. They can recommend lifestyle changes or suggest medication options to manage your blood glucose levels. People with diabetes will need to continue monitoring their blood glucose level regularly.
How should I interpret the results of the HbA1c (%) Glycated Haemoglobin test?
An HbA1c level below 5.7% is considered normal. Between 5.7% and 6.4% it's considered prediabetic, and 6.5% or higher on two separate tests indicates you have diabetes. If you already have diabetes, the aim is to keep your HbA1c below 7%, or as agreed with your healthcare adviser.
How does the HbA1c (%) Glycated Haemoglobin test work?
The HbA1c test works by measuring what percentage of your haemoglobin - a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen - is coated with sugar. The higher the HbA1c level, the poorer your blood sugar control and the higher your risk of diabetes complications.
What are the symptoms that can be detected with the HbA1c (%) Glycated Haemoglobin test?
The HbA1c test itself does not detect symptoms. However, it can help diagnose conditions that may cause symptoms, such as frequent urination, increased thirst, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow-healing sores or frequent infections – all are potential symptoms of high blood glucose levels associated with diabetes.
What conditions can the HbA1c (%) Glycated Haemoglobin test help diagnose?
The primary condition that the HbA1c Glycated Haemoglobin test can help diagnose is diabetes. It is also used to identify prediabetes, a precursor of diabetes. Furthermore, the test can assist in monitoring existing conditions of diabetes by showing if the treatment plan is working.
Other Biomarkers Often Tested With HbA1c (%) Glycated Haemoglobin
Glycated Haemoglobin (HbA1c) 
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