How Often Should You Get an HbA1c Test?

If you’re living with diabetes, you’ve likely heard of the HbA1c test. It’s not a one-time checkup. It’s a vital measure of how your blood sugar has behaved over the past few months, something your daily readings can’t always show.

Doctors rely on it to spot trends, adjust treatment, and prevent long-term complications. But for many people, one question remains unclear: how often should this test be done? Is once a year enough? Or should it be part of your routine every few months?

The answer isn’t the same for everyone. It depends on your diabetes type, how stable your sugar levels are, whether your treatment has changed, and other health factors.

In this blog, we’ll walk through what the HbA1c test measures, when you should take it, how to interpret the results, and how to stay on schedule, without stress or confusion.

What Is the HbA1c Test?

The HbA1c test (also called the glycated haemoglobin HbA1c test) shows your average blood sugar levels from the past two to three months. It measures the amount of glucose stuck to your red blood cells.

Because red blood cells live for about 90–120 days, this test gives a bigger picture of your sugar control than daily finger-prick readings.

Quick Fact: Unlike random or fasting blood sugar tests, you don’t need to fast for an HbA1c.

Why Is It Done?

The HbA1c test is a key part of managing diabetes. It helps:

• Check how well your current treatment is working
• Spot patterns that daily testing might miss
• Guide your doctor on when to adjust medications

In some cases, it’s also used to screen for prediabetes or diagnose type 2 diabetes.

These are some of the most important HbA1c test uses, especially for people managing type 1 or type 2 diabetes long-term.

How Often Should You Get an HbA1c Test?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on your condition, stability, and treatment plan.

Here’s what major health organisations recommend:

General guidelines:

• Stable blood sugar? Test every 6 months
• Unstable or recently changed medication? Every 3 months
• New diagnosis? Start with a test every 3 months

Based on the type of diabetes:

• Type 1 diabetes: Every 3 months is ideal
• Type 2 diabetes:
  • If under control: Every 6 months
  • If not: Every 3 months
• Prediabetes: Once or twice a year for monitoring

If you're wondering about the HbA1c test cost, it usually ranges from ?300 to ?800 in most Indian cities. It may vary by lab and location.

When Might You Need More Frequent Testing?

Some people need more than the standard schedule. You may need to test every 2–3 months if:

• Your blood sugar levels are inconsistent
• You’ve recently changed medications or doses
• You’re pregnant and managing gestational diabetes
• You’ve had complications or hospitalisation

Note: Skipping tests when your diabetes isn’t stable could delay treatment changes.

The HbA1c test procedure is simple. A small blood sample is taken, usually from your arm. Results are typically ready within a day or two, depending on the lab.

Understanding Your HbA1c Report

Your HbA1c test report shows the result as a percentage. This tells you what portion of your haemoglobin has sugar attached.

For most adults with diabetes, a goal of below 7% is common, but not universal. Your target might be higher or lower based on your age, health, and risk of low sugar (hypoglycaemia).

Example: An older adult with other health issues may aim for 7.5–8% to avoid hypoglycaemia.

Discuss your target range with your doctor, not everyone needs the same goal.

How to Stay on Track

Keeping up with your testing schedule can make a big difference in long-term health.

Here’s how to make it easier:

• Mark your next test date in a calendar or reminder app
• Book your HbA1c with other routine blood work
• Sync test dates with your medication review appointments
• Use apps that track test results and alert you when it's time to retest

If you delay too long, you may miss early signs of poor control, raising your risk of nerve, kidney, or eye issues.

Reminder: The HbA1c test time is quick, usually 5 to 10 minutes at the lab. Don’t let anything delay it.

Final Thoughts

The glycated haemoglobin HbA1c test may be simple, but it plays a key role in managing diabetes over time. It gives a clearer view of your average blood sugar levels, which daily readings alone can’t always capture. How often you need it depends on your individual condition, how stable your sugar levels are, and whether your treatment has changed.

What matters most is staying consistent. Skipping a scheduled test can delay important changes to your care plan. Regular testing helps your doctor make better decisions and gives you a clearer understanding of your progress. When you keep track of your numbers, you have more control over your health.

Looking to book your test?
Check your next HbA1c test today to stay on track with your health goals.