HbA1c (Diabetes)

HbA1c is a measure of the average blood sugar level over the last two to three months. The laboratory value measures the proportion of glycated hemoglobin in the blood, which is formed when sugar binds to hemoglobin.

A HbA1c test is recommended for: Persons with suspected diabetes mellitus (e.g. symptoms such as increased thirst, frequent urination) Patients with known diabetes for therapy control People with a family risk for diabetes Overweight persons with additional risk factors such as high blood pressure or lipid metabolism disorders

The test serves the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus and the monitoring of blood sugar control in patients with diabetes. It provides information on how well the blood sugar has been controlled in the last few weeks.

A high HbA1c value indicates inadequate blood sugar control and may indicate diabetes. Symptoms of persistently elevated blood sugar are: Increased thirst Frequent urination Fatigue and unintentional weight loss A low HbA1c value is usually unremarkable, but can occur with overcorrection with insulin therapy or severe underweight.

The testing can be carried out independently of the state of food intake and at any time of the day. In the case of existing diabetes, the test should be carried out every three to six months.

The test is independent of short-term blood sugar fluctuations and therefore very stable. Hemoglobin variants or certain diseases (e.g. anemia, renal insufficiency) can distort the results. The HbA1c value is not suitable for measuring acute blood sugar fluctuations; other tests such as fasting blood sugar are required for this.