PATIENT RESOURCE
What Does My A1C Result Mean?
A1C is a blood test that estimates your average blood glucose over the past 8 to 12 weeks. The result is useful, but it is only one part of understanding your health.
What is an A1C test?
A1C, also called HbA1c or glycated haemoglobin, measures the proportion of haemoglobin with glucose attached to it. Because red blood cells circulate for several weeks, the result gives a longer-term picture than a single finger-stick or fasting glucose value. Recent weeks contribute more to the result than earlier weeks.
Common Canadian ranges
Diabetes Canada commonly uses the following ranges when assessing non-pregnant adults. Laboratories and clinical circumstances matter, so your clinician should interpret the report rather than applying a number in isolation.
| A1C result | What it may indicate |
|---|---|
| Below 6.0% | Below the commonly used Canadian prediabetes range |
| 6.0% to 6.4% | Prediabetes range commonly used in Canada |
| 6.5% or higher | May meet a diabetes diagnostic threshold, subject to clinical context and confirmation requirements |
How is A1C different from fasting glucose?
A1C estimates an average over several weeks and usually does not require fasting. Fasting glucose measures blood glucose at one point in time after a period without food. The tests can give different signals because glucose changes from day to day. A clinician may use one test, more than one test, or repeat testing depending on the reason for testing.
What can affect the result?
A1C may be less reliable when red blood cells are being made or removed unusually quickly, or when haemoglobin is different from usual. Examples that may matter include anemia, recent blood loss or transfusion, some haemoglobin conditions, kidney disease, and pregnancy. Tell the clinician interpreting your result about relevant medical conditions, medications, and recent events.
What happens after an abnormal result?
Follow-up depends on the result, symptoms, risk factors, previous tests, and whether the result fits the rest of the clinical picture. A clinician may recommend repeat A1C, fasting glucose, an oral glucose tolerance test, lifestyle support, medication discussion, or monitoring. A result that is unexpected or close to a threshold deserves context, not panic.
When should I arrange care?
Arrange a routine appointment if you have questions about an A1C report or have risk factors for diabetes. Seek prompt medical advice for marked thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, vomiting, severe weakness, confusion, or rapidly worsening symptoms. Call 911 for an emergency.
Questions to bring to an appointment
- What does this result mean in the context of my other results?
- Should the test be repeated or paired with another glucose test?
- Could a medical condition or medication affect the accuracy?
- What follow-up interval is appropriate for me?
- What changes would support my overall cardiometabolic health?
Related Verra Health resources
Learn about prediabetes, prevention, and follow-up.Cholesterol and Triglycerides
Understand another part of cardiometabolic risk assessment.Can You Review Lab Results With a Doctor Online?
Learn what to have available for a results-review appointment.
Questions about your result? Book an appointment or call (587) 404-2000.
Do I need to fast for an A1C test?
Usually no. A1C reflects average blood glucose over roughly the previous 8 to 12 weeks and is not affected by the meal you ate immediately before the test. Follow any specific instructions given with your lab requisition.
Does one A1C result diagnose diabetes?
An A1C result may contribute to a diagnosis, but the result needs to be interpreted with your symptoms, health history, the laboratory method, and any factors that can affect accuracy. Your clinician may recommend repeat or additional testing.
Can anemia or pregnancy affect A1C?
Some conditions that change red blood cell turnover or haemoglobin can make A1C less reliable. Pregnancy also has specific testing considerations. Tell your clinician about pregnancy, anemia, hemoglobin conditions, recent blood loss, transfusion, or kidney disease when relevant.
What should I do if my A1C is higher than expected?
Arrange follow-up with a clinician who can review the actual report and the rest of your health information. Do not start medication or make major changes based on a number alone.