Pathology results in My Health Record, explained
HbA1c test results explained
HbA1c measures how much glucose has stuck to the haemoglobin in your red cells. Because red cells live for around four months, it gives a picture of your average blood glucose over the past two to three months. It is used to check for type 2 diabetes and to see how well diabetes is being managed.
Also printed as: Haemoglobin A1c, Glycated haemoglobin, Glycosylated haemoglobin.
What is on the report
Typical adult ranges. Each lab sets its own, so the range printed next to your result is the one that counts.
| Test | What it is | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| HbA1c | Your average blood sugar over the past two to three months. | 20–38 mmol/mol |
Good to know in Australia
- Australian reports give HbA1c two ways: as a percentage and in mmol/mol. The mmol/mol unit was brought in to standardise results around the world.
- Unlike a single glucose test, HbA1c is not thrown off by one very high or very low reading. It shows the average.
- Some conditions can affect the result, including some types of anaemia, iron deficiency, pregnancy, chronic kidney disease and a recent blood transfusion.
Call 000 in an emergency. For health advice at any hour, call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 (NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). For questions about what your results mean for you, talk to your GP.
Keep your reports in one place
Take a photo or screenshot of your pathology report, or upload the PDF, and Vita explains each number in plain words, suggests what to ask your GP, and keeps it with your past results. Vita does not connect to My Health Record or any Australian health record system. Hospital connections work with US hospitals, not Australian ones.
Vita Health Coach on the App StoreAsk it in ChatGPT
Vita Health Coach also answers in ChatGPT. One tap opens ChatGPT with this question ready to send:
“What should I ask the doctor about my HbA1c result?”
Questions
Do I need to fast for HbA1c?
No special preparation is needed for this test.
Why are there two numbers for the same result?
The percentage and the mmol/mol figure describe the same result in two units. Your report may show both side by side.
Could my result be repeated?
Yes. A result in the diabetes range sometimes needs a repeat test to confirm it. Your GP will tell you if that applies.
More for Australia
- How to see your pathology results in My Health Record
- How to see a parent's My Health Record
- Full blood examination (FBE)
- Electrolytes, urea and creatinine (EUC)
- Liver function tests (LFT)
- Thyroid function tests (TFT)
- Lipid profile (cholesterol and triglycerides)
- Iron studies
- Vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D)
Sources
General information, not medical advice. VitaMedas is not connected with any government health service. Vita Health Coach explains; it never diagnoses. In an emergency, call 000. Read the medical disclaimer.