HbA1C(HPLC)

You should get an HbA1c test if you have symptoms of diabetes, such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, or blurred vision, or risk factors like obesity, PCOS, or a family history of diabetes. People with diabetes should test every 3 months, or every 6 months if blood sugar is well controlled.

No special preparation or fasting is required for an HbA1c test, and it can be done at any time of day. Continue your regular medicines. Inform your doctor about anemia, recent blood loss or transfusion, pregnancy, kidney disease, or hemoglobin disorders like thalassemia or sickle cell disease, as these can affect results.

No, fasting is not required for an HbA1c test. You can eat and drink normally, and the test can be done at any time of day, because it reflects your average blood sugar over 2–3 months. However, if a fasting blood sugar test is ordered alongside it, you should fast for 8–12 hours.