HbA1c Testing for
Diabetes Management
Helpful information for patients
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health condition characterised by
high blood sugar levels due to the body’s inability to
produce enough insulin or use it effectively. It can lead
to various health complications and requires lifelong
management through medication, diet, and lifestyle
changes.
How do Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes differ?
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where
the immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-
producing cells in the pancreas, resulting in a lack of
insulin production. Currently, approximately 134,000
Australians are living with Type 1 diabetes, accounting
for 10% of all diabetes cases.1
Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterised
by insulin resistance or insufficient insulin production
and is often associated with lifestyle factors such as
obesity. Nearly 1.3 million Australians are living with
Type 2 diabetes, representing approximately 85-90%
of diabetes cases.1
1. [Link]
betes/diabetes-in-australia/ Accessed 19.06.23
Common symptoms of diabetes
• Frequent urination, often waking at night
• Persistent and increased thirst
• Unexplained weight loss
• Increased appetite
• Fatigue, even after adequate rest
• Blurred vision, difficulty focusing
• Slow healing, such as cuts and sores
• Frequent infections, such as urinary tract infections
or yeast infections (in females)
• Tingling or numbness in hands and feet
• Dry or itchy skin
• Headaches
• Feeling dizzy
How is diabetes diagnosed?
In Australia, diabetes is diagnosed through a combina-
tion of laboratory blood tests. The most common test
is the fasting blood glucose blood test. Additionally,
an oral glucose tolerance test or a glycated haemo-
globin (HbA1c) blood test may be used to confirm the
diagnosis.
What is the difference between fasting
blood glucose and HbA1c testing?
A blood glucose test measures the level of glucose
(sugar) in a person’s blood at a specific point in time,
providing an immediate snapshot of blood sugar levels,
while an HbA1c test measures the average blood sugar
levels over a period of two to three months, offering a
long-term perspective on blood sugar control.
HbA1c testing provides a more comprehensive view
of how well a person’s diabetes management plan is
working and whether changes need to be made.
Why is HbA1c testing important for
diabetes monitoring?
HbA1c testing plays a crucial role in the management
of diabetes. By monitoring HbA1c levels, your health-
care provider can determine if blood sugar control
is being achieved and if adjustments in medication,
diet, or exercise are required. Lowering HbA1c levels
through lifestyle changes, medication, and insulin
therapy can help reduce the risk of complications
associated with diabetes, such as heart disease, stroke,
kidney problems, nerve damage, and eye and foot
problems. Regular HbA1c testing is an essential tool in
assessing long-term blood sugar control and guiding
treatment for people living with diabetes.
How often do I need to have an HbA1c test?
The frequency of HbA1c testing depends on several
factors, such as the type of diabetes you have, your
treatment plan, and your blood glucose control.
Typically, your doctor will provide you with a referral for
testing every 3-6 months.
Patients living with diabetes are eligible for up to four
Medicare-funded HbA1c tests per year.
Your doctor may also request additional pathology tests
to obtain a comprehensive view of your overall health.
Education and empowerment
HbA1c testing empowers individuals living with
diabetes to actively participate in their own care. By
understanding their HbA1c levels and the target
ranges, they can gain insights into their progress and
make informed decisions about their lifestyle choices,
medication adherence, and self-management strategies.
Interpreting HbA1c Results
• Normal range (non-diabetic): HbA1c levels are
≤ 5.9%
• Prediabetes range: HbA1c levels between 6.0%
and 6.4% indicate a higher risk of developing
diabetes
• Diabetes: HbA1c level ≥ 6.5% (confirmed by either
a repeat test or blood glucose level in the diabetes
range)
Monitoring target range: Work with your doctor to
determine the optimal target range for you.
Lifestyle factors that can positively impact
HbA1c levels
• Healthy eating
• Regular physical activity
• Weight management
• Medication adherence
• Regular self-monitoring of blood glucose levels
• Stress management
• Limit your alcohol intake if you choose to drink
• Smoking cessation
• Improving sleep
Do I need to fast for an HbA1c test?
You do not need to fast for an HbA1c test, and testing
can be performed at any time of the day. This is
because the HbA1c test reflects your average blood
glucose levels over the last two to three months and is
not influenced by short-term changes in diet or fasting.
Where can I have my HbA1c test?
Once you have a referral from you doctor, you can
visit any Clinical Labs collection centre at your
convenience for your routine HbA1c tests.
To find the Clinical labs
collection centre nearest
you, visit [Link]/
location or scan the QR code.
1300 134 111
[Link]
ACLMAR-PAT-NAT-0509.4 07/23
