Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is a form of hemoglobin that is chemically linked to glucose through a non-enzymatic glycation process, reflecting average blood glucose concentrations over the preceding 2–3 months. It is the primary biomarker used for the diagnosis and long-term monitoring of diabetes mellitus and prediabetes. Results are expressed as a percentage of total hemoglobin or in mmol/mol (IFCC units). Glucose in the bloodstream binds irreversibly to the beta-chain of hemoglobin within red blood cells, forming glycated hemoglobin at a rate proportional to ambient glucose concentration. Because red blood cells have a lifespan of approximately 90–120 days, HbA1c provides a weighted average of blood glucose over that period, with more recent glucose levels contributing more heavily to the result. This process is continuous and does not require fasting, making HbA1c a convenient and stable marker of glycemic exposure.
Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) measures the percentage of hemoglobin molecules glycated by glucose over the preceding 2-3 months. It is the clinical gold standard for assessing average glycemic control and is used to diagnose and monitor diabetes mellitus.
An HbA1c of 5.7-6.4% is classified as prediabetes; 6.5% or above is diagnostic for diabetes (per ADA criteria). Upward trends within the normal range may indicate progressive insulin resistance. Conditions that affect red blood cell lifespan (hemolytic anemia, recent transfusion) can alter HbA1c independent of glucose levels.
High-intensity glycolytic exercise acutely increases blood glucose through hepatic glycogenolysis and catecholamine release, but these transient spikes do not meaningfully affect HbA1c. Because HbA1c reflects a multi-month average, it is unaffected by acute training or single-meal glucose fluctuations, making it a stable metabolic benchmark.
Turnaround Time
3 days (up to 10 days)
Method
Roche Tina Quant
Order online
Choose your lab and check out. We send your lab requisition automatically — no doctor visit needed.
Get your sample collected
Visit a lab service center near you for a quick blood draw (or book at-home phlebotomy where available).
See your results
Your results land in your Insider portal, ready to review and act on — that easy.
Your price
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Versus the typical direct-to-consumer retail price for this test (illustrative — consumer prices vary by provider and region).
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Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is a form of hemoglobin that is chemically linked to glucose through a non-enzymatic glycation process, reflecting average blood glucose concentrations over the preceding 2–3 months. It is the primary biomarker used for the diagnosis and long-term monitoring of diabetes mellitus and prediabetes.
Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) measures the percentage of hemoglobin molecules glycated by glucose over the preceding 2-3 months. It is the clinical gold standard for assessing average glycemic control and is used to diagnose and monitor diabetes mellitus.
An HbA1c of 5.7-6.4% is classified as prediabetes; 6.5% or above is diagnostic for diabetes (per ADA criteria). Upward trends within the normal range may indicate progressive insulin resistance.
The Hemoglobin A1c test starts at $3.90 at Labcorp, Quest, or BioReference. No doctor's visit and no insurance needed; we do not bill insurance. Fitomics Insider members pay from $3.50.
Results for the Hemoglobin A1c test are typically ready about 3 days after your draw, and up to 10 days for some samples. Your results land in your Insider portal.
No. When you order the Hemoglobin A1c test from Fitomics Research Labs, a licensed physician in our 50-state network reviews and signs your requisition after checkout, and it lands in your portal and inbox. Then visit any Labcorp, Quest, or BioReference patient service center for your draw; results post to your Insider portal.
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