If you have diabetes or prediabetes, the HbA1c test is arguably the most important blood test your doctor will order. Unlike a fasting blood glucose test that only shows your blood sugar at one moment in time, HbA1c reveals your average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months – giving you and your doctor a clear picture of how well your diabetes is controlled. At Zain Cura Medical Center in Dubai, we provide accurate HbA1c testing with results in just 4-6 hours – no fasting required, walk-in welcome, and home collection available 24/7 across Dubai. Our DHA-licensed laboratory uses the latest testing technology to ensure precision results.
Whether you're scheduling a routine health check or your doctor has recommended testing, understanding what this test measures and what your results mean is essential for informed health decisions.
Quick Facts
Essential information about the HbA1c (Hemoglobin A1c) test at a glance
What is an HbA1c Test?
The HbA1c test, also called glycosylated hemoglobin or glycated hemoglobin test, measures how much glucose has attached to your hemoglobin protein over the past 2-3 months.
Every time glucose enters your bloodstream, some attaches to hemoglobin – a process called glycation. Because red blood cells live about 120 days, the amount of HbA1c reflects your average blood glucose over approximately 3 months.
Think of it this way: if you check a random blood glucose on one day and get 150 mg/dL, that only tells you your blood sugar at that moment. But an HbA1c of 7% tells your doctor that your average blood sugar over the last 3 months was approximately 150 mg/dL – a much more complete picture.
What Does This Test Detect?
Gold standard for diabetes diagnosis and monitoring; correlates with long-term complications risk
Why Your Doctor Orders This Test
The HbA1c (Hemoglobin A1c) is commonly ordered to screen for, diagnose, or monitor medical conditions. Your doctor may recommend this test as part of routine health screening, to investigate symptoms, or to track your response to treatment.
Why Get an HbA1c Test?
Diabetes Diagnosis and Classification
HbA1c results: Less than 5.7% is normal, 5.7-6.4% is prediabetes, 6.5% or higher indicates diabetes. If you have symptoms of diabetes (excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision), an HbA1c test provides a definitive diagnosis.
Monitoring Diabetes Control
If you've already been diagnosed with diabetes, HbA1c testing shows whether your current treatment plan is working. Well-controlled diabetes shows HbA1c less than 7%, while poor control shows HbA1c over 8%.
Predicting Complications Risk
Each 1% increase in HbA1c increases your risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, vision loss, and nerve damage. Maintaining HbA1c below 7% dramatically reduces these risks.
Medication Adjustment
Your doctor uses HbA1c results to decide whether to continue current medications, increase doses, add new medications, or change lifestyle interventions.
When Should You Get This Test?
Consider getting tested if you have these symptoms or risk factors
Symptoms to Watch For
- •Excessive thirst (polydipsia)
- •Frequent urination (polyuria)
- •Unexplained weight loss
- •Fatigue and weakness
- •Blurred vision
- •Slow-healing cuts or infections
- •Tingling in hands/feet
Risk Factors
- •Family history of diabetes
- •Overweight or obesity (BMI over 25)
- •Sedentary lifestyle
- •Age over 45
- •High blood pressure
- •High cholesterol
- •History of gestational diabetes
Recommended Testing Frequency
Every 3 years starting at age 45
Every 1-2 years
Every 6-12 months
Every 3 months minimum
Every 3 months
2-3 months after starting to assess effectiveness
Normal Reference Ranges
These ranges are general guidelines. Your results should be interpreted by your doctor in the context of your individual health status and medical history.
Important: Normal ranges may vary based on age, sex, and individual factors. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized interpretation of your results.
How to Prepare for Your Test
Follow these simple preparation guidelines for accurate results
Pre-Test Preparation
No fasting required. No special preparation
What to Do
- • Bring valid ID (Emirates ID, passport, or driver's license)
- • Wear comfortable, short-sleeved clothing
- • Stay hydrated (drink water before test)
- • Arrive 10 minutes early for check-in
- • List current medications and supplements
What to Avoid
- • Excessive caffeine immediately before
- • Strenuous exercise 24 hours before
- • Don't skip prescribed medications without consulting doctor
- • Avoid stress and anxiety before blood draw
Related Laboratory Tests
Tests often ordered together for comprehensive health assessment
Fasting Blood Glucose
Measures blood sugar levels after 8-12 hours of fasting
Random Blood Glucose
Blood sugar measurement at any time of day, regardless of meals
Average Blood Glucose (Calculated from HbA1c)
Estimated average glucose level derived from HbA1c percentage
Insulin (Fasting)
Measures fasting insulin levels to assess pancreatic beta-cell function and insulin resistance
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the HbA1c (Hemoglobin A1c) test
How Often Should I Get HbA1c Testing?
If you have diabetes, every 3 months is standard. If you're prediabetic, every 6-12 months. If healthy with no symptoms, every 1-3 years depending on age and risk factors. Your doctor will recommend your specific schedule.
Can I Eat Before HbA1c Testing?
Yes, you can eat and drink normally. Unlike fasting glucose tests, HbA1c doesn't require fasting. You can have breakfast, coffee, or whatever you normally eat.
How Accurate is HbA1c?
Very accurate. Our lab uses certified analyzers with 99.8% accuracy. However, certain conditions can cause falsely high or low results (hemolytic anemia, blood transfusions, hemoglobin variants, liver disease). Your doctor will identify if repeat testing is needed.
What if My HbA1c is Higher Than Expected?
Don't panic. Discuss with your doctor. Options include adjusting medications, intensifying diet/exercise, or checking for contributing factors (stress, illness, medication changes). Even small decreases (from 8% to 7.5%) significantly reduce complication risk.
How Quickly Can I See Results After Getting HbA1c?
Results are ready in 4-6 hours. You'll receive notification via WhatsApp or email. Share with your doctor immediately so they can discuss results and make any medication adjustments.
Does HbA1c Cost More Than Fasting Glucose?
Not much more. At Zain Cura, HbA1c is AED 75-99, and fasting glucose is AED 49-75. The extra cost is worth it for the 3-month perspective instead of a single-day snapshot.
Can Pregnancy Affect HbA1c Results?
Pregnancy can lower HbA1c. If you're pregnant, inform your lab so they use pregnancy-specific reference ranges. Pregnant women should get HbA1c to screen for gestational diabetes.
Is Home Collection Available for HbA1c?
Yes! Home collection is available 24/7 across Dubai with no extra charges. Use our smart assistant to book and confirm availability. Same accuracy and turnaround time as clinic collection.
Recommended Test Packages
- HbA1c
- Fasting Glucose
- Lipid Profile
- Kidney Function
- Microalbumin