Haemoglobin A1c (or HbA1c) is a very important measurement for monitoring your diabetes. In your blood, glucose and haemoglobin (the protein in your red blood cells) bind together. This new molecule is called glycated haemoglobin, shortened to HbA1c. If your blood glucose levels are high, more glucose will bind to your haemoglobin, causing your HbA1c levels to increase.

When you have an HbA1c test, this indicates how much glucose has been in your blood over roughly the last three months.

HbA1c monitoring is done by a healthcare professional using either a finger prick or a blood sample. HbA1c levels may be written as a percentage (%) or as ‘millimoles per mole’ (mmol/mol).² 

HbA1c measurements can be used to diagnose diabetes. If you already have diabetes, your doctor may use these measurements to decide on your treatment plan, and help you set a target to lower your HbA1c. They will then regularly check your HbA1c levels to assess whether the plan needs to be updated.^1,2 

In general, higher HbA1c levels mean you are at higher risk for developing long-term complications of diabetes. These include:

Heart disease and stroke

Foot problems

Eye problems (retinopathy)

Kidney problems (nephropathy)

Nerve damage (neuropathy)

It’s therefore important that your HbA1c is checked regularly to make sure your diabetes is being well managed. Your doctor will advise you how often you should have your HbA1c levels checked.

1–2 serves of Glucerna per day has been clinically shown to help reduce HbA1c levels within 6 months for type 2 diabetes.*⁴