Diabetes Testing: Understanding HbA1c Results

Our blood sugar fluctuates through the day and week—but sometimes you need to see the longer-term picture. That’s where the HbA1c test comes in. It gives you a snapshot of how your blood sugar has behaved over the past few months, and it’s one of the most powerful tools for diagnosing and managing diabetes. This post will walk you through what HbA1c is, why it matters, how to interpret your results, and what you can do with that information.

What is the HbA1c test?

The term “HbA1c” stands for glycosylated (or glycated) haemoglobin—essentially, it’s haemoglobin in red blood cells that has glucose attached. Because red blood cells live for about two to three months, the HbA1c test measures the average blood sugar level over that time period. NCBI+2Cleveland Clinic+2
In practical terms: instead of telling you what your blood sugar was this morning, it tells you how well your sugar control has been overall. That makes it especially valuable for both diagnosis and monitoring. American Diabetes Association

Why this test matters

Interpreting the results: what the numbers mean

Here’s a guide to what your numbers might be telling you. Note: local labs may report in different units (%, or mmol/mol) so be sure to ask.

Below ~5.7% (≈39 mmol/mol): generally considered normal.
Approx. 5.7% to 6.4% (~39-46 mmol/mol): this is the “prediabetes” zone — higher than normal, but not yet full diabetes. It’s a warning sign.
6.5% (48 mmol/mol) or above: likely indicates diabetes, depending on other tests and clinical context.
For someone already diagnosed with diabetes, many guidelines aim for an HbA1c around 7% (53 mmol/mol) or lower—but your personal target may differ based on your age, health status and other conditions.

Important caveats:

Different labs may have slightly different reference ranges.
Certain conditions can affect HbA1c accuracy (anaemia, kidney disease, certain haemoglobin variants, etc.). Ask your clinician if any apply to you.
A single number is a snapshot: trends matter more than one isolated test.

How to act on your HbA1c result

Once you have your result, what should you do? Here are sensible steps:

Discuss with your healthcare provider: Ask what your target should be and how your result compares.
Look at the trend: Are your HbA1c numbers improving, staying the same or worsening? A rising trend signals it’s time to re-evaluate.
Lifestyle first:
- Choose foods with lower refined sugar and refined carbs.
- Engage in regular physical activity (30 minutes most days).
- Maintain a healthy weight or reduce excess body fat.
Medication adherence (if prescribed): If your doctor has given you diabetes-medication or insulin, take it consistently and ask about possible adjustments if your HbA1c is outside target.
Regular testing: For most people living with diabetes, HbA1c is checked every 3 to 6 months; if you are in good control it may be less frequent. Healthdirect
Monitor for complications: High HbA1c means you may need regular screening for kidney health, eye health, nerve function, and cardiovascular risk.

What this means for you (in Nigeria or elsewhere in Africa)

In regions where awareness of diabetes is growing, the HbA1c test is a powerful tool for early detection.
For those managing diabetes, knowing your HbA1c gives clarity—rather than “am I doing okay?” you ask “how well am I doing?”
Because lab testing infrastructure is improving, asking for an HbA1c test is now more feasible in many Nigerian clinics and hospital labs—so make it part of your health toolkit.
Educating family members, especially those with risk factors (family history, overweight, high blood pressure) that they should ask about HbA1c can help prevent the onset or progression of diabetes.

Final thought

Your HbA1c result is more than a percentage—it’s a sentence in the story of your health. It tells you how your body has managed blood sugar over time, and it gives you a map for the way ahead. Whether your number is in the normal zone, showing prediabetes, or tracking diabetes management—it’s an opportunity for empowerment and action.
Get the test, review the trend, have the conversation—and use the result as your ally in managing and protecting your health.

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