Long-term blood sugar (HbA1c)

HbA1c is a long-term blood sugar value that indicates the average blood sugar level over the past two to three months. It is formed when sugar attaches to the red blood pigment hemoglobin. Since red blood cells live for about three months, the HbA1c value provides a good overview of long-term blood sugar control.

A high HbA1c value indicates poorly controlled or previously undetected diabetes. Normal values indicate stable and good blood sugar control.