Glossary
HbA1c
HbA1c (hemoglobin A1c or glycated hemoglobin) is a blood test that reflects average blood glucose levels over roughly the past two to three months. It appears on many routine and diabetes-monitoring panels.
What HbA1c measures
Glucose in your bloodstream can attach to hemoglobin in red blood cells. The HbA1c test measures the percentage of hemoglobin that's glycated, giving a longer-term view than a single fasting glucose reading.
Because red blood cells turn over over weeks, HbA1c is commonly used in ongoing monitoring schedules. Your clinician determines its role in your specific care plan.
Reading HbA1c on your report
HbA1c is usually reported as a percentage (like 5.8%) or in IFCC units (mmol/mol) depending on the laboratory. The reference range printed on your report applies to that lab's method.
Don't compare your value against generic online charts. Use the interval on your document and discuss any flagged results with your healthcare provider.
Tracking HbA1c over time
Seeing HbA1c values chronologically — 6.8% in January, 7.1% in June, 7.2% in November — helps you and your clinician spot trends across months.
MedLens+ plots HbA1c on your timeline with the ranges from each uploaded report. We organize your history; your clinician interprets what the trend means for your care.