UNDERSTANDING THE HBA1C TEST: NORMAL RANGE, RESULTS, AND COST EXPLAINED

According to the International Diabetes Federation, more than 1 in 10 adults worldwide now have diabetes — and nearly half of them don’t even know it. One of the most reliable ways to catch diabetes early — and monitor it over time — is through the HbA1c test. Unlike a one-time blood sugar check, HbA1c reveals your average blood glucose over the past 2–3 months, giving doctors a clearer picture of your long-term control.

In this blog, you will learn about:

• What the HbA1c test is and how it works
• The normal HbA1c range and what your results mean
• HbA1c by age and why targets may differ for younger vs. older adults
• HbA1c in pregnancy and how it impacts both mother and baby
• How HbA1c compares to other blood sugar tests
• Factors that can affect your results
• The cost of HbA1c testing in the UAE
• Practical tips to improve your HbA1c levels and protect your health

What is HbA1c? 

Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is a type of hemoglobin (a protein in red blood cells) that becomes coated with sugar (glycated) when glucose circulates in the blood. The higher your blood sugar, the more hemoglobin gets glycated. 

Because red blood cells live for around 3 months, measuring the percentage of glycated hemoglobin gives an estimate of your average blood sugar level over that period. 

In simple terms: 

• High HbA1c = consistently high blood sugar 
• Low HbA1c = better blood sugar control 

HbA1c Normal Range 

The HbA1c normal range is used to classify whether your blood sugar is healthy, in a prediabetic state, or in the diabetic range. 

Did You Know? 

• Even if your HbA1c is in the “normal” range, your doctor may recommend regular monitoring if you have risk factors like obesity, high blood pressure, or a family history of diabetes.
• Lowering your HbA1c by just 1% can reduce your risk of diabetes-related complications (like nerve damage, kidney disease, and eye problems) by up to 40%. 

Why is the HbA1c Test Important?

The HbA1c test is crucial because it helps: 

• Detect prediabetes before it progresses 
• Confirm a diagnosis of diabetes 
• Monitor how well your diet and treatment plan is controlling blood sugar 
• Adjust medication, diet, or exercise plans accordingly 

This test is not affected by short-term fluctuations from meals, stress, or exercise, making it more reliable for long-term assessment. 

When Should You Get an HbA1c Test? 

You may need an HbA1c test if you: 

• Have symptoms of high blood sugar (increased thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss) 
• Are over 35 years old with risk factors such as obesity, sedentary lifestyle, or family history of diabetes 
• Already have diabetes and need ongoing monitoring (usually every 3–6 months) 
• Are pregnant and at risk for gestational diabetes 

At Reem Hospital, HbA1c is part of our health screenings to detect early signs of chronic conditions. 

HbA1c Test vs. Other Blood Sugar Tests

Factors That Can Affect HbA1c Results

While reliable, certain conditions may cause your HbA1c range to be misleading: 

• Anemia or recent blood loss (lowers HbA1c falsely) 
• Kidney or liver disease 
• Recent blood transfusion 
• Hemoglobin variants (common in certain ethnic groups) 

This is why results should always be interpreted by a doctor who understands your full health history. 

HbA1c Levels by Age: What’s Considered Normal?

While the standard HbA1c normal range is below 5.7% for most healthy adults, doctors sometimes take age into account when interpreting results. This is because the risk of complications from very tight blood sugar control can be higher in older adults, while younger individuals may benefit from stricter targets.

General HbA1c Guidelines by Age

Important: Age-based targets are just a guide. Your personal HbA1c goal should be set by your doctor, based on your health, lifestyle, and risk factors.

HbA1c in Pregnancy: What You Should Know

During pregnancy, monitoring blood sugar is crucial, not only for the mother’s health but also for the baby’s growth and development. While HbA1c can still be used, it is not the only test your doctor will rely on during pregnancy, especially if you are at risk of gestational diabetes.

Why HbA1c Matters in Pregnancy

• Pre-pregnancy & early pregnancy: An HbA1c test before conception or in the first trimester can help detect undiagnosed diabetes or assess how well your blood sugar is controlled before pregnancy.
• Mid to late pregnancy: HbA1c is less accurate as pregnancy progresses because of changes in red blood cell turnover. However, it can still provide a general picture of your average blood sugar.

Target HbA1c Levels in Pregnancy

For most women without other health issues:

• Before conception & early pregnancy: Below 6.5% is ideal to reduce the risk of birth defects.
• During pregnancy: Around 6.0% or less is generally recommended if it can be achieved safely without frequent hypoglycemia.

Why Tight Control is Important

High HbA1c during pregnancy can increase the risk of:

• Macrosomia (large baby)
• Premature birth
• Preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy)
• Low blood sugar in the newborn after delivery

Other Tests During Pregnancy

Because HbA1c may underestimate blood sugar levels later in pregnancy, doctors often use:

• Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) the gold standard for diagnosing gestational diabetes
• Self-monitoring with a glucometer — to check daily fluctuations

Tip: If you are planning pregnancy or are already pregnant, ask your doctor about HbA1c testing in combination with other glucose monitoring methods for the best care.

Cost of HbA1c Test in Abu Dhabi, UAE 

The HbA1c test cost in Abu Dhabi typically ranges between AED 80–200, depending on whether it’s part of a larger screening package. At Reem Hospital, the test is available both as a standalone service and as part of our comprehensive health screenings, which may also include cholesterol profile, kidney function, and vitamin D levels. 

Did You Know? 
Many health insurance plans in the UAE cover the HbA1c test if it is medically indicated — especially for diabetes diagnosis or monitoring. 

How Often Should You Repeat the HbA1c Test? 

• Without diabetes: Every 1–2 years if at risk 
• With prediabetes: Every 6–12 months 
• With diabetes: Every 3–6 months, depending on stability of control 

How to Prepare for the HbA1c Test 

Good news, the HbA1c test does not require fasting, so you can eat and drink normally beforehand. Just remember to inform your doctor about: 

• Any new symptoms 
• Recent illnesses or transfusions 
• All medications you’re taking 

Improving Your HbA1c Levels 

If your HbA1c range is higher than desired, your doctor may recommend: 

• Adjusting your diet to reduce refined carbs and added sugars 
• Increasing physical activity (150 minutes/week recommended) 
• Reviewing or changing medications 
• Managing stress through mindfulness, yoga, or breathing exercises 
• Getting enough quality sleep 

When to Seek Medical Advice

Seek prompt care if you have: 

• Very high or rapidly rising blood sugar 
• Symptoms like excessive thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision, or fatigue 
• Unexplained weight loss 
• HbA1c result above 6.5% without a diabetes diagnosis 

Early intervention can prevent serious complications. 

Conclusion 

The HbA1c test is one of the most powerful tools for detecting and managing diabetes. Tracking your average blood sugar over three months offers a bigger picture than one-time glucose readings. 

Whether as part of routine health screenings or ongoing diabetes care, this test helps you and your family medicine doctor make informed decisions about your health. At Reem Hospital, we make it easy to get tested, interpret your results, and take action to improve your long-term well-being.