IG
logo

Call Us

+(65)‎ 6012‎ 9957
Make an Appointment contact us

HbA1c Singapore

The HbA1c test, also known as the haemoglobin A1c or glycated haemoglobin test, is a blood test that measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. This test provides a reliable picture of how well diabetes is being managed or helps diagnose diabetes and prediabetes. The HbA1c test reveals long-term glucose control patterns.

doctor avatar
Dr Adrian Mondry
Physician (FRG) | MD (HHU Düsseldorf) | MRCP (London) | IM Specialist (ÄKNo) | Hypertensiologist (DHL)
Image Kaizen HbA1c test Image Kaizen HbA1c test
Benefits How it Works Preparation Suitability Results FAQ
Jump to section…
Benefits
How it Works
Preparation
Suitability
Results
FAQ

Benefits of HbA1c Test

The HbA1c test offers several advantages that make it a preferred method for assessing blood sugar control and managing diabetes-related health concerns.

  • Comprehensive glucose assessment

    Rather than showing blood sugar at just one moment, this test reveals your average levels over 2-3 months. This provides a broader view of how your body has been managing glucose over time.

  • Treatment monitoring

    Regular HbA1c testing supports both treatment monitoring for those with diabetes and prevention for individuals at risk, helping guide lifestyle or medication decisions.

  • Early detection

    The HbA1c test also helps identify elevated blood sugar levels in individuals without diagnosed diabetes, supporting early intervention in patients with high blood pressure or metabolic risk factors.

  • Complication prevention

    Maintaining good HbA1c levels helps prevent or delay diabetes complications such as nerve damage, kidney problems, and eye conditions. Regular monitoring supports this goal through informed treatment decisions.

How Does It Work?

The HbA1c test measures the percentage of sugar (glucose) attached to a protein in your red blood cells called haemoglobin. Since red blood cells live for about 2 to 3 months, this test reflects your average blood sugar levels over that period. The higher your blood sugar, the more glucose attaches to haemoglobin, giving your doctor a clear picture of long-term glucose control, rather than just a single-day snapshot.

How Do I Prepare for HbA1c Test?

The HbA1c test requires minimal preparation, making it straightforward for patients with busy schedules or those who find fasting difficult.

No dietary restrictions

You can eat and drink normally before your HbA1c test, as food intake does not affect the results. This differs from other diabetes tests that require fasting for accurate measurements.

Continue regular medications

Unless specifically advised by your doctor, continue taking all your usual medications including diabetes treatments.

Bring medication list

Prepare a current list of all medications you take, including doses and timing. This information helps your doctor understand your treatment context when reviewing results.

Who Should Get the HbA1c Test?

This test is recommended for:

 

  • Individuals with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or obesity
  • Patients with a family history of diabetes
  • People with symptoms such as frequent urination, fatigue, or unexplained weight loss
  • Adults over 35 for routine diabetes screening
  • Those managing known diabetes for treatment monitoring

Are you feeling tired, thirsty, or noticing frequent urination?

Consult our accredited specialist for an HbA1c test to assess long-term blood sugar levels.

Make an Enquiry

Results Review and Follow-Up

Once your HbA1c test results are available, your doctor will review them with you to assess your average blood sugar control over the past 2 to 3 months. If your levels are elevated, this may indicate diabetes or prediabetes, prompting further evaluation or lifestyle changes.

For individuals already diagnosed with diabetes, the results help determine whether current treatment plans are effective or need adjustment. Your internal medicine specialist will work with you to set personalised HbA1c targets and schedule follow-ups to track progress over time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Will my HbA1c result be different if I’ve been unwell recently?

Short-term illness typically doesn’t change HbA1c results significantly since the test reflects your average blood sugar over 2-3 months. However, if you’ve had a prolonged illness or hospitalisation in recent months, this may affect your results and should be discussed with your doctor.

Can I have the test done if I’m pregnant?

HbA1c testing can be performed during pregnancy, but results may be interpreted differently due to normal changes in red blood cells during pregnancy. Your doctor may prefer other blood sugar tests for monitoring diabetes during pregnancy.

What happens if my HbA1c level is higher than expected?

If your HbA1c is above target levels, your doctor will review your current diabetes management plan and may suggest medication adjustments, dietary changes, or more frequent monitoring.

Image doctor adrnil 2 e1732280120706

Dr Adrian Mondry

Physician (FRG)|MD (HHU Düsseldorf)|Specialist for Internal Medicine (ÄKNo)|Hypertensiologist (DHL)|MRCP (London)

Dr. Mondry has over 30 years of experience as an internal medicine & hypertension specialist.

  • Previously a Senior Consultant in the Department of Medicine at the National University Hospital and Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, where he is currently a visiting consultant.

  • Hypertension Specialist accredited by the German Hypertension League (DHL)

  • Contributed to the latest Singapore ACE Clinical Guidance on “Hypertension – Tailoring the Management Plan to Optimise Blood Pressure Control” as a committee member.

Read Full Bio
Image contact mob

Make an Enquiry

Got a Question? Fill up the form and we will get back to you shortly.

    For faster enquiry, call us!(65)‎ 6012‎ 9957



    our Clinic location

    Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital Specialist Centre

    38 Irrawaddy Road, #11-57 Singapore 329563

    Monday: 9:30am – 5:30pm
    Tuesday: 8:30am – 4:30pm
    Wed to Fri: 9:30am – 5:30pm
    Sat to Sunday & PH: Appointment Only
    +65‎ 6012‎ 9957