General information, not an individual diagnosis. Ask a healthcare professional if you are unsure about your situation.
A blood glucose measurement tells you about sugar in the blood at that moment. Glycated haemoglobin, or HbA1c, provides a different reference for diabetes follow-up: it describes a longer period.
HbA1c is the percentage of haemoglobin that has bound to sugar. It reflects blood glucose over the previous three months, whereas blood glucose changes throughout the day. A single reading therefore does not represent that whole period.
In some situations, prescribed self-monitoring complements the HbA1c test. It can identify episodes of low or high blood glucose. The doctor defines how often to measure and what to do in response to the results.
Prepare records with the result, time and circumstances: meals, activity, illness, stress or a new medicine. These notes help the doctor understand changes and review your follow-up.
Mention recent bleeding or a blood transfusion, a red blood cell disorder, certain treatments such as corticosteroids, or pregnancy. These factors can influence HbA1c results; the doctor takes them into account when interpreting them.
The HbA1c test itself does not require fasting. If other tests are prescribed at the same time, ask the laboratory to clarify the instructions for the full set of tests. Ask the doctor which HbA1c goal and monitoring schedule fit your situation.
Sources
Your health review
Review your health
Mon bilan prévention is an appointment to discuss your habits and choose your health priorities. Review the four age groups and practical information.