HbA1c
Medical abbreviation · Laboratory Test
| Stands for | Hemoglobin A1c (glycated hemoglobin) |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
HbA1c stands for Hemoglobin A1c (glycated hemoglobin), a laboratory test abbreviation.
Percentage of hemoglobin with glucose permanently attached, reflecting average blood sugar over the previous two to three months, the lifespan of red cells. Values below 5.7 percent are normal, 5.7 to 6.4 percent indicate prediabetes and 6.5 percent or higher indicates diabetes; many adults with diabetes aim for below 7 percent.
Example: HbA1c improved from 9.2% to 7.1% after adding a GLP-1 receptor agonist.
Usage notes
Glucose attaches non-enzymatically to the beta chain of hemoglobin, so the result rises with sustained high sugar. The UK and much of Europe report IFCC units in mmol/mol, where 48 mmol/mol equals 6.5 percent. Results are misleading with hemoglobin variants, recent blood loss or transfusion, iron deficiency, pregnancy and advanced kidney disease. US labs standardize results through the NGSP program.
Related abbreviations
More laboratory test abbreviations
- FLP – Fasting lipid panel
- FT4 – Free thyroxine
- GFR – Glomerular filtration rate
- GGT – Gamma-glutamyl transferase
- H&H – Hemoglobin and hematocrit
- Hb – Hemoglobin
- hCG – Human chorionic gonadotropin
- HCO3 – Bicarbonate
- Hct – Hematocrit
- HDL – High-density lipoprotein (cholesterol)
- HFP – Hepatic function panel
- Hgb – Hemoglobin
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This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.