DiabetesEvidence-basedLesson 21 of 32

How to read your HbA1c

One number summarising three months — useful, but it hides the spikes.

3 min+15 XP

What it measures

Glucose sticks to haemoglobin in red blood cells. Because those cells live about 3 months, HbA1c estimates your average glucose over that window. An HbA1c of 6.0% corresponds to roughly 126 mg/dL average glucose.

What it hides

Two people with identical HbA1c can have very different days — one steady, one swinging between highs and lows. That variability matters for how you feel and for long-term vessel damage, which is why day-to-day patterns are still worth tracking.

Key takeaways

HbA1c reflects ~3 months of average glucose.
It cannot show spikes or variability.
Track patterns, not just the single number.

Check your understanding

1 question · answer to earn XP

1. Roughly what period does HbA1c reflect?

Evidence & sources

This lesson reflects guidance from recognised health bodies and peer-reviewed research.

For education purposes only — not intended to diagnose, treat or replace medical advice.