HbA1c Test - Price, Preparation, Range, Procedure 2025

Table of Content

What is the HbA1c test?

The hemoglobin A1c test is also known as the glycated hemoglobin test, the hemoglobin A1c test, or the A1c blood test. Unlike regular blood sugar tests, for a red blood cell's 120-day life, HbA1c measures the average blood sugar levels. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes or prediabetes, this test lets you track how effectively your blood sugar is controlled.

Why is the HbA1c test done?

The HbA1c test is used for the following purposes: 

1. It is part of regular health checkup tests and used for general screening. This helps to detect a family history of diabetes, a history of gestational diabetes in PCOS, factors associated with obesity and blood pressure, etc. It helps mitigate significant health risks. 
2. When you persist with symptoms like constant fatigue, unexplained weight loss, frequent urination, hunger, thirst, and infections. 
3. This test is used to monitor higher-risk groups of people. People who are prediabetic need it at least twice in one or two years. Those who have had diabetes longer need an assessment every three to six months for better analysis.

Hba1c Test Details In Brief:

What are the Symptoms That Call For HBA1C Test?

Here are some symptoms & risk factors that may indicate the need for HbA1C Test. Signs you should pay attention to are:

• Frequent Urination: The frequent urge to urinate throughout the day, disrupting your routine, is the first sign that your blood sugar levels are not balanced.
• Excessive Thirst: Another common symptom indicating diabetes or prediabetes is unexplained & constant thirst, even after drinking adequate water. Excessive thirst may be a sign of elevated blood sugar levels.
• Unexplained Weight Loss: If you are losing weight without even trying changes in your diet or routine, it could be a sign of uncontrollable blood sugar levels or diabetes. And an HbA1C Test is often used to confirm the cause of your symptom.
• Persistent Fatigue: Constant lethargy or weakness can also be key indicators that your blood sugar levels are not balanced, and preventive measures should be taken to manage them in time.
• Blurred Vision: High blood sugar can usually disrupt the eyes' lens, leading to changes in eyesight or causing blurred vision. It is a sign that you need to check your blood sugar levels.
• Slow Wound Healing: Diabetes or elevated blood sugar levels can interfere with the body’s ability to heal wounds. If you notice cuts or bruises taking forever to heal, it may indicate uncontrolled blood sugar levels.
• Reoccurring Infections: Elevated blood sugar levels or diabetes usually compromises the immune system, leading to frequent or recurring infections.
• Change In Appetite: Sudden or unusual increased hunger can be a symptom indicating diabetes or uncontrolled elevated blood sugar levels.

Any of the above symptoms, accompanied by other factors, contribute to the risk of prediabetes & diabetes, and therefore, getting tested in time is crucial to confirm the cause and act for better management of the condition.

Besides the above symptoms, healthcare practitioners often recommend the HbA1c Test to individuals at high risk of developing diabetes.

What are the Factors That Contributes To High Risk For Diabetes?

• Obesity: Being overweight is the foremost factor that doubles one’s risk of developing diabetes. Excess body fat usually leads to insulin resistance, where the body’s cells don't respond to insulin effectively. So, healthcare practitioner often recommends this test for people who are obese.
• Family History: If you have a family history of diabetes or prediabetes, this is another factor that increases one’s risk of being affected by the disease.
• Age: As you age, your risk for developing diabetes increases too. However, it depends on an individual’s dietary or lifestyle choices.
• Underlying Medical Condition: Individuals with underlying chronic illnesses, like PCOS, high blood pressure, or a history of gestational diabetes, are also at risk for developing diabetes.
• Sedentary Lifestyle: If you are leading an unhealthy or sedentary lifestyle, it could also be a sign that your blood sugar levels are elevated and should be measured & monitored in time.

It is vital to understand that having any of the risk factors doesn’t necessarily mean an individual will develop diabetes. Therefore, doctors often suggest timely testing to confirm your health status and initiate the treatment accordingly.

Other Diabetes Tests/Packges That You Can Book with Redcliffe Labs

What is the role Of HbA1c Test In Managing Elevated Blood Sugar Levels?

• Measure Blood Sugar Levels: HbA1c Blood Test has a significant role in measuring average blood sugar levels over the past 2 to 3 months. Rather than just providing insights into current blood sugar levels, the test provides comprehensive detail on how well blood sugar has been controlled over time.
• Help Manage Diabetes: A1c Blood Test provides valuable insight into one’s blood sugar level status of an individual, which helps healthcare practitioners assess your condition, make necessary adjustments, suggest preventive measures, and prescribe the correct course of treatment to control it.
• Allows Treatment Adjustments: Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels helps doctors check if any medication or insulin dosage adjustment is required to achieve better sugar control goals. The test helps make informed health-related decisions to prevent complications.
• Prevent Complications: Taking control of the condition early helps you prevent the progress of the disease, which can save you from experiencing the worst.

Therefore, if your healthcare practitioner has suggested HbA1c Test, getting tested in time is critical to address the condition, adjust the treatment and manage the disease before things turn ugly.

What is the Preparations Required For HbA1c Test?

When preparing for HbA1c Test, keep the following things in mind. Here are some preparations required for the test:

• Unlike other blood tests, Hemoglobin A1c Test requires no fasting and can be done at any time of the day. You can eat or drink normally before the test.
• Inform your healthcare practitioner or phlebotomist about known pregnancies, underlying medical conditions, or medication that can potentially impact your test results.
• Follow any specific instructions related to dietary restrictions, medications & more to avoid discrepancies in the test results.
• If you have any concerns or queries regarding the Hemoglobin A1c Blood Test or the procedure, communicate with your healthcare practitioner beforehand. They can provide all the information & specific instructions that you may need to be prepared for the test to maintain accuracy in the results.

What is the Procedure For HbA1c Test?

The HbA1c test procedure is simple and will not require so much of your time. During the examination:

• Your phlebotomist may ask you to sit calmly & comfortably.
• They will tie a band around your arm and ask you to make a fist to ensure the vein is visible.
• Once the vein is found, they will disinfect the punctured site to avoid infections.
• They will then insert a sterile syringe to collect the required amount of blood.
• The collected blood will then be transferred to the vial and sent to the laboratory for analysis.
• They will then remove the band and cover the punctured site with a bandage.

The procedure is simple and has no associated risks. However, it may cause a little discomfort or pain at the time of blood drawing, and these symptoms will go away with time too. If the symptoms persist longer than usual or you experience more problems, consult your healthcare practitioner.

What is the frequency of HbA1c tests recommended based on the age group?

Your doctor may change the frequency based on your sugar levels and health condition.

• Adults under 45: If you're at risk (e.g., with a family history or being overweight), every six months.
• Over 40 years: At least once a year as a routine checkup.
• Diabetic patients (any age): Every 3 to 6 months to monitor sugar control.
• Pregnant women (with diabetes or high risk): As advised by the doctor, usually more frequently.

What Are the Certain Risks That May Lead to Diabetes?

One of the primary causes of diabetes is being overweight or obese. You are over 45; as people age, their risk of developing diabetes rises. Diabetes or prediabetes runs in your family. You suffer from chronic ailments, high blood pressure, or PCOS. You lead a sedentary or inactive lifestyle; excessive sitting and inactivity might raise blood sugar levels. To avoid or control diabetes, it is best to get tested early if any of these apply to you.

How to Lower High HbA1c Levels Naturally?

Here are simple changes in life habits that can lower the HbA1c levels naturally: 

• Eat Healthily: Choose more whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and foods high in fiber. Reduce your intake of junk food, white rice, and sugar.
• Remain Active: To regulate blood sugar levels, walk, practice yoga, or engage in physical activity for at least half an hour every day.
• Reduce Extra Weight: Even a slight weight loss will help lower your HbA1c if you are overweight.
• Increase your water intake to help your body rid itself of extra sugar.
• Reduce Stress: To keep stress and blood sugar levels low, try deep breathing, meditation, or hobbies.
• Eat on Time: Don't eat too late at night or skip meals.
• Maintain Regular Monitoring: Stay on track by regularly monitoring your blood sugar levels.

Note: Always talk to your doctor before making significant changes, especially if you're on medication.

How is the HbA1c test different from standard blood sugar and finger-prick tests?

What is HbA1c Normal Range?

The normal range for the HbA1c Test can vary from individual to individual, depending on different factors. The normal range for:

HbA1c Test Result Interpretation:

If the test results are within the normal range, i.e., below 5.7%, it indicates that everything is normal and no diabetes is diagnosed. However, if you have symptoms, your doctor may ask for additional tests to confirm the cause. If the levels are between 5.7% - 6.4%, it is often considered prediabetes, and levels above the normal range indicate controlled diabetes. Doctors consider other factors along with the test results to interpret the test results. It is not good to make assumptions and take the consultation with an expert to understand the reports better and plan your actions accordingly.

HbA1c Test Sample Report - Redcliffe Labs

HbA1c Test Cost @ Redcliffe Labs

With Redcliffe Labs, you can book an HbA1c Test starting from Rs 349 - Rs 449 with free home sample collection convenience. With our aim to bring the diagnostic to your doorstep within your budget, we go beyond conventional boundaries and provide our services at highly competitive rates.

HbA1c Test Price in Different Cities

Tips To Balance Blood Sugar Levels:

Maintaining optimal blood sugar levels is essential for everyone with or without diabetes. Here are some simple yet significant tips that can help:

• Limit your intake of foods that spike blood sugar levels and switch to a balanced diet.
• Secondly, be mindful of your portion size to maintain consistency in your meal and get all the benefits.
• Engage in regular physical activities, as it is essential to improve insulin sensitivity & support overall wellness.
• Take your medicines on time as prescribed, as it can otherwise hurt your health.
• Monitor your blood and follow the instructions to ensure your health doesn’t get compromised.

It is essential to remember that these are general tips that can support good health, but following the advisory of your healthcare practitioner and taking routine testing seriously is necessary to get optimal benefits. Book your HbA1c Test with Redcliffe Labs and get free doctor consultation.

Measure To Manage Your Blood Sugar Levels With HbA1c Test!

Measuring elevated blood sugar levels is the first step toward it’s better management. Therefore, if your doctor has suggested the HbA1c Test, do not take it lightly and book it with Redcliffe Labs today. With us, you can get tested comfortably from home. Do not take an imbalance in your blood sugar levels for granted. Measure, monitor & manage it well with an early HbA1c Test. So, what are you waiting for? With us, now you can even get tested within 45 minutes. Book our express slots now!