Health & Screening
HbA1c (Glycated Haemoglobin)
HbA1c is a blood test that reflects average blood sugar over roughly the past two to three months, used to screen for and monitor diabetes.
What is HbA1c?
HbA1c, or glycated haemoglobin, is a blood test that measures the percentage of haemoglobin in red blood cells that has sugar (glucose) attached to it. Because red blood cells live for a few months, HbA1c reflects a person's average blood sugar over roughly the previous two to three months, rather than a single moment.
This makes it useful for:
- Screening for prediabetes and diabetes, often as part of an annual health checkup
- Monitoring how well diabetes is controlled over time
- Guiding treatment decisions, together with other tests and a doctor's assessment
Unlike a fasting blood sugar test, HbA1c usually does not require fasting.
Understanding the results
Commonly used diagnostic thresholds, such as those from the American Diabetes Association, are:
| HbA1c | General interpretation |
|---|---|
| Below 5.7% | Within the normal range |
| 5.7% to 6.4% | Prediabetes range |
| 6.5% or higher | Diabetes range |
These are general reference points. Labs may report slightly different ranges, and a diagnosis is usually confirmed with repeat or additional testing. Certain conditions, such as anaemia, some haemoglobin variants, recent blood loss or pregnancy, can affect HbA1c readings. For people already living with diabetes, the right target is individual and should be set with a doctor. Always discuss your results with a doctor rather than interpreting them alone.
Why it matters for employers
Type 2 diabetes is common in India and can go unnoticed for years. Including HbA1c in workplace health checkups can help identify employees who may benefit from early lifestyle changes or medical care. For employees already diagnosed, regular HbA1c tests are part of good chronic disease management.
Employers should keep results confidential, shared with the employee and their care team, with HR seeing only anonymised group trends.
Example
During an onsite checkup camp, an employee's HbA1c is reported in the prediabetes range. The camp doctor explains what this may mean, suggests confirming with a repeat test, and invites her to a voluntary lifestyle coaching program focused on diet, activity and sleep. She schedules a follow-up test with her doctor a few months later to see how her levels have changed.
Key takeaways
- HbA1c reflects average blood sugar over roughly two to three months.
- It is used to screen for and monitor diabetes, usually without fasting.
- Commonly used cut-offs are 5.7% for prediabetes and 6.5% for diabetes; labs and individual targets vary.
- Pair screening with follow-up support through chronic care programs and health checkup packages.