Metabolic

HbA1c

Glycated Haemoglobin. Measured in clinic at The Wellness in Marylebone, read by a doctor.

What It Is

HbA1c measures the proportion of haemoglobin in your red blood cells that has glucose attached to it. Because red cells live for a few months, the result reflects your average blood sugar over roughly that period rather than at a single moment.

Why It Matters

It is one of the most established ways to assess long-term glucose control, and it is not affected by what you ate that morning. Clinicians use it to look for early shifts in blood sugar handling well before symptoms would appear.

What Results Can Suggest

A higher HbA1c can suggest that average blood glucose has been elevated, which is associated with prediabetes and diabetes. Certain blood conditions that change red cell lifespan can also influence the reading. A doctor can interpret your result alongside other tests, so discuss it with one.

This page is general information, not medical advice and not a substitute for a consultation. Reference ranges vary between laboratories, and results should always be interpreted by a doctor who knows your history.