What does HbA1c mean?

HbA1c is what’s known as glycated haemoglobin. This is something that’s made when the glucose (sugar) in your body sticks to your red blood cells. Your body can’t use the sugar properly, so more of it sticks to your blood cells and builds up in your blood. Red blood cells are active for around 2-3 months, which is why the reading is taken quarterly.

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A high HbA1c means you have too much sugar in your blood. This means you’re more likely to develop diabetes complications, like serious problems with your eyes and feet.

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Knowing your HbA1c level and what you can do to lower it will help you reduce your risk of devastating complications. This means getting your HbA1c checked regularly. It’s a vital check and part of your annual review. You’re entitled to get this test at least once a year. But if your HbA1c is high or needs a little more attention, it’ll be done every three to six months.

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Lots of factors can contribute to someone being at risk of or diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. With the right support there are some things that you can change, but others you can’t. ​

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You can find out the level of your own risk of type 2 diabetes and what to do to lower it by putting information into this Know Your Risk of type 2 diabetes tool and getting the results. It’s free and only takes two or three minutes. You'll need to know your height, weight and waist measurement.

Some factors put you at increased risk of type 2 diabetes that you can’t change, such as your age and ethnicity or medical history. 

But the main things you can do to lower your chance of developing type 2 diabetes is to eat more healthily, lose weight if needed so you have a healthy weight and healthy waist size and move more and exercise.  
Looking after your weight and being more active makes it easier for your body to manage your blood sugar levels and help prevent insulin resistance, which can lead to type 2 diabetes. ​​