At least once a year, your doctor should check your long-term diabetes control by taking a blood sample from your arm.
HbA1c
The most common test is the HbA1c test, which indicates your blood glucose levels for the previous two to three months. The HbA1c measures the amount of glucose that is being carried by the red blood cells in the body.
HbA1c targets
For most people with diabetes, the HbA1c target is below 6.5 per cent, since evidence shows that this can reduce the risk of developing diabetic complications, such as nerve damage, eye disease, kidney disease and heart disease.
Individuals at risk of severe hypoglycaemia should aim for an HbA1c of less than 7.5 per cent. However, any reduction in HbA1c levels (and therefore, any improvement in control), is still considered to have beneficial effects on the onset and progression of complications.
HbA1c results
HbA1c results are currently given as a percentage. However, the way in which HbA1c results are reported in the UK is changing. From 31 May 2011, HbA1c will be given in millimoles per mol (mmol/mol) instead of as a percentage (%).
To help make this transition as easy as possible, all HbA1c results in the UK will be given in both percentage and mmol/mol from 1 June 2009 until 31 May 2011.
This new way of reporting results will just be a different way of expressing the same thing. For example, the equivalent of the HbA1c target of 6.5 per cent will be 48 mmol/mol. The fact that the number is higher does not mean there is more glucose in your blood.
For more information, download the relevant leaflet for you under 'Downloads'.
Use our HbA1c converter to work out your new value
To help people during this period of change, Diabetes UK has developed an easy-to-use online HbA1c converter.
Fructosamine test
If your red blood cells are affected by for example anaemia, sickle cell anaemia or thalasaemia (all of which involve a lack of or abnormal type of haemoglobin – the oxygen-carrying part) then your doctor may carry out a blood test for fructosamine.
Fructosamine gives an average result for the previous 14 to 21 days. If you normally have a fructosamine test, discuss your individual target with your doctor.
Reviewed January 2010.