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Metabolic

HbA1c Blood Test

HbA1c (glycated haemoglobin) reflects your average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. It is the gold standard for long-term blood sugar monitoring and diabetes management.

Turnaround 48 hours, estimate Turnaround: up to 48 hours after your blood draw (estimate).

When is this value abnormal?

Decision limits per result, in mmol/mol
Result Value (mmol/mol)
Low < 20
Normal 20–42
Borderline 42–48
Elevated ≥ 48

The NHG advises against using HbA1c to detect or diagnose diabetes. In the Netherlands the diagnosis is made with fasting glucose. An HbA1c of 48 mmol/mol or higher fits diabetes and must be confirmed with a second measurement; an HbA1c below 48 does not rule out diabetes.

Source: Nederlands Huisartsen Genootschap Reference population: Dutch adults (SHO reference values, IFCC)

Source: SHO Reference population: Dutch adults (SHO reference values, IFCC)

Reference values can vary between laboratories. Discuss your results with your GP for explanation and treatment decisions.

HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin): what this test measures

This test measures the percentage of haemoglobin in red blood cells that has glucose attached to it. Higher percentages indicate higher average blood sugar over the preceding months.

HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin): why this value matters

HbA1c provides a long-term view of blood sugar control, unlike fasting glucose which reflects a single point in time. It is essential for diabetes diagnosis and management. Consult your healthcare provider.

HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin): how the blood test works

Referral
No GP referral needed. After the order we arrange the referral through ZorgDomein, within one business day; orders after 17:00 or at the weekend start on the next business day. ZorgDomein emails a barcode, and that barcode is what the draw site needs.
The draw
A blood draw from a vein in the arm, at a partner laboratory's draw site. No home kit, no finger prick.
Results
Turnaround: up to 48 hours after your blood draw (estimate).
Where
650+ draw sites run by independent laboratories across the Netherlands. Draw sites

HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin): when is testing worthwhile?

Testing is recommended for routine diabetes screening, monitoring diabetes management, or evaluating risk of pre-diabetes. It does not require fasting, making it convenient for any time of day.

HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin): symptoms of a high or low value

Low Levels

Very low HbA1c may indicate frequent hypoglycaemia episodes or certain blood conditions. It should be discussed with your healthcare provider.

High Levels

Elevated HbA1c may not cause immediate symptoms but indicates poor long-term blood sugar control. Over time, this may be associated with increased risk of cardiovascular, nerve, kidney, and eye complications.

HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin): what to do about an abnormal value

Male

If Low

Low HbA1c is normal and indicates good blood sugar control.

If High

Elevated HbA1c indicates diabetes or poor blood sugar control. Consider lifestyle changes and treatment.

Female

If Low

Low HbA1c is normal and indicates good blood sugar control.

If High

Elevated HbA1c indicates diabetes or poor blood sugar control. Consider lifestyle changes and treatment.

HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin): lifestyle and this value

Consistent carbohydrate management, regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing stress are key to keeping HbA1c within a healthy range. Small, sustained changes are more effective than drastic diets.

HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin): frequently asked questions

Do I need to fast for an HbA1c test?

No, HbA1c does not require fasting. It measures average blood sugar over months, so a single meal will not significantly affect the result.

How often should I test HbA1c?

For diabetes monitoring, testing every 3-6 months is common. For screening, your healthcare provider will recommend an appropriate frequency.

What is a normal HbA1c range?

Reference ranges vary by guideline. Your healthcare provider can interpret your result and explain what it means for your individual health.

HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin): sources

  1. SHO Centra voor Medische Diagnostiek. Referentiewaarden O.5.08/01a (versie 054). Carnitine totaal en vrij carnitine als afzonderlijke componenten. Geraadpleegd 14 juli 2026. (retrieved 2026) sho.nl
  2. Nederlands Huisartsen Genootschap. NHG-Standaard Diabetes mellitus type 2 (M01). Gepubliceerd september 2018, laatste aanpassing februari 2026. "Indien een HbA1c van 48 mmol/mol (6,5%) of hoger wordt gevonden, spreekt men ook van diabetes." (retrieved 2026) richtlijnen.nhg.org

Tests with related values

These panels measure values from the same category as this marker.

Turnaround 48 hours, estimate

Full blood test

Twenty values from one draw: liver, kidneys, lipids, glucose, blood count, thyroid, iron and inflammation.

ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase) GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase) Creatinine eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) Total Cholesterol HDL Cholesterol LDL Cholesterol Triglycerides Glucose (Fasting) Hemoglobin Hematocrit Erythrocytes (RBC) Leukocytes (WBC) MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume) Platelets (Thrombocytes) TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) Ferritin CRP (C-Reactive Protein)
€199,-

Results without a doctor's assessment

You receive your values with the unit and reference range. A doctor's assessment is not part of this site. Discuss your results with your GP for explanation and treatment decisions.

HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin)

€27,-