Lab results online in Canada, explained
A1C blood test results explained (Canada)
A1C, also called glycated hemoglobin, shows your average blood sugar over the last 2 to 3 months. It is used to follow diabetes care and can also be used to help diagnose diabetes in adults.
Also printed as: A1C, HbA1c, Glycated hemoglobin.
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.
Good to know in Canada
- In Canada, A1C is reported as a percentage (%). An international unit, mmol/mol, also exists for A1C, so a report from outside Canada may look different.
- Blood sugar (glucose) on Canadian reports is shown in mmol/L.
- About half of the A1C value comes from the last 30 days.
- In uncommon cases, such as when red blood cells are replaced faster or slower than usual, or the hemoglobin is built differently, A1C may not reflect blood sugar accurately.
Call 911 in an emergency. For health advice that is not an emergency, call 811 in most provinces and territories. For questions about your results, contact your family doctor, nurse practitioner or the clinic that ordered the test.
Keep your reports in one place
Take a photo or screenshot of your lab report, or upload the PDF, and Vita explains each number in plain words, suggests what to ask your doctor, and keeps it with your past results. Vita does not connect to any Canadian health record system. Hospital connections are for US hospitals, not Canadian 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 Hemoglobin A1C result?”
Questions
How is A1C different from a blood sugar test?
A blood sugar test shows your level at one moment. A1C reflects your average over roughly the past 2 to 3 months, with the last month counting the most.
How often is A1C checked?
Diabetes Canada guidance says at least every 3 months when targets are not being met or treatment is changing, and about every 6 months may be enough when targets are met. Your care team sets your schedule.
Why does my A1C have a % sign?
Canadian labs report A1C as a percentage. The same test can also be written in an international unit, mmol/mol.
More for Canada
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 911. Read the medical disclaimer.