HbA1c gives a picture of your average blood sugar over the past 2–3 months. A test provides insight into your blood sugar regulation, with personal explanation from our doctors.
Interpreted by BIG-registered doctors
Achtergrond
HbA1c (glycated haemoglobin) is a measure of the amount of sugar that has attached to haemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells. Because red blood cells live for approximately 120 days, HbA1c gives a reliable picture of average blood sugar over the past 2 to 3 months.
In the Netherlands, HbA1c is expressed in millimoles per mole (mmol/mol). It is, alongside fasting glucose, one of the standard measures for diabetes diagnosis and monitoring of blood sugar regulation according to the NHG guidelines. An advantage over a single glucose measurement is that HbA1c is not influenced by what you ate that morning.
In het kort
Long-term
Average over 2–3 months
No fasting needed
Independent of food intake
NHG-compliant
Standard diabetes investigation
mmol/mol
Standard unit
Veelvoorkomende redenen om te meten
Hieronder enkele situaties waarin een meting van HbA1c inzicht kan bieden.
A test gives a good picture of your blood sugar regulation without needing to fast.
Type 2 diabetes runs in families, with a family history, periodic testing can provide insight.
A higher BMI or sedentary lifestyle is associated with an increased risk of impaired blood sugar regulation.
Those who have worked on their diet, physical activity, or weight can see after a few months what effect this has had on their value.
Good blood sugar regulation plays a role in fertility and pregnancy.
HbA1c is a straightforward measurement included in most general health checks.
Wat betekent uw uitslag
HbA1c is measured in millimoles per mole (mmol/mol). Our doctor interprets your value in line with the NHG guidelines, which distinguish between normal, increased risk, and the diabetes range.
An HbA1c within the normal range gives a reassuring picture of your blood sugar regulation over the past months. Periodic re-testing may be worthwhile as part of general health monitoring, particularly with a family history or changes in lifestyle.
A slightly elevated HbA1c falls within a range referred to in the NHG guidelines as "increased risk" or "pre-diabetes". This can be a signal to pay attention to lifestyle factors such as diet, physical activity, and weight. Our doctor provides you with explanation and context.
An HbA1c in the diabetes range almost always requires confirmation through follow-up testing with your GP. Our doctor provides you with explanation of your result and, if you wish, proactively makes contact in the case of significantly elevated values.
Hoe wij uw uitslag interpreteren
Our doctors interpret your HbA1c in line with the NHG guidelines for diabetes diagnosis. You receive a report in plain language, as a starting point for your own insight or a conversation with your healthcare provider.
Related tests
A single marker gives one perspective. For a broader picture you can combine HbA1c with a theme package or related markers.
Veelgestelde vragen
No, you do not need to fast for HbA1c, that is an advantage over a glucose measurement.
Glucose measures your current blood sugar at the time of the blood draw. HbA1c gives an average over the past 2–3 months, independent of what you ate that day.
A single measurement is sufficient for initial insight. For elevated values or as follow-up to lifestyle interventions, re-testing after 3 to 6 months is often recommended.
Conditions that affect the lifespan of red blood cells (such as certain forms of anaemia) can interfere with the HbA1c measurement. Please let us know of any known conditions so we can take this into account.
The NHG applies specific threshold values for "normal", "increased risk", and "diabetes". The precise interpretation of your value can be found in your report.
With significant lifestyle changes or medication adjustments, a measurable change is typically not seen until after 8 to 12 weeks, because HbA1c reflects an average over the entire period.
You will receive a PDF report with your value and explanation. What you do with it, such as discussing it with your GP, adjusting your lifestyle, or taking no action, remains entirely your choice.
Yes, the report is written in medical language and contains all relevant laboratory information. Many clients bring it to their GP.
In the Health Guide
For €69 you receive your HbA1c level including personal explanation from a doctor, typically within 2 business days. No referral required.
Order HbA1c for €69 →Want to test multiple markers at once?
Combine HbA1c with other markers via Bloodworks Select. Blood draw costs are waived from €225.
Customer service
Available on weekdays from 9:00 – 17:00
