What is an HbA1c check An HbA1c check measures how much glucose is stuck to your red blood cells. The amount of glucose stuck to your cells is closely related to your average blood glucose levels over the past 10 to 12 weeks. An HbA1c check helps show how well your diabetes management plan is working. What’s on this page What is an HbA1c check When to get an HbA1c check Target HbA1c levels Lowering your HbA1c More information When to get an HbA1c check Your doctor or diabetes health professional will refer you to get a blood test to measure your HbA1c. If you have type 2 diabetes, this is usually every 6 to 12 months. If you have type 1 diabetes, this is usually every 3 to 6 months. Target HbA1c levels For most people living with diabetes, the target for HbA1c is less than 7% (or 53 mmol/L), but targets may vary for each person based on different factors. If your HbA1c is above your target range, this usually means that your day-to-day blood glucose levels have also been too high in the previous 10 to 12 weeks. Over time, high blood glucose levels increase your risk of diabetes-related complications, so it is important to try and keep your HbA1c in your target. If you do not know what your HbA1c target is, talk to your doctor or diabetes health professional. Lowering your HbA1c A high HbA1c is a sign that your diabetes management plan may need changing. This could mean starting or changing medicines, or starting insulin. Eating well and getting enough physical activity are also important for keeping your HbA1c in target. If your HbA1c is not in your target range, talk to your doctor or diabetes health professional about what you can do to lower it. More information and support Call the NDSS Helpline on 1800 637 700 and ask to speak to a credentialled diabetes educator Go to the Australian Diabetes Educators Association website at https://www.adea.com.au/ to find a credentialled diabetes educator Go to Healthdirect at https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/ to find a diabetes health professional near you This information is intended as a guide only. It should not replace individual medical advice. If you have any concerns about your health, or further questions, you should contact your health professional. Last updated: August 2025
