The Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) IFCC mmol/m blood test measures your average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months. Reported on the IFCC scale, it reflects how much glucose is attached to your red blood cells.

Higher results indicate prolonged elevated blood sugar, often linked to insulin resistance and an increased risk of diabetes and its complications. Conversely, falsely high readings can occur in people with iron deficiency anaemia. Understanding your HbA1c helps monitor long-term glucose control and overall metabolic health.

This guide explains what it is, how it works, what your results mean, and how you can book a comprehensive blood test to check your Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) IFCC mmol/m.

What is Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) IFCC mmol/m?

Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) IFCC mmol/m is a blood test that shows your average blood sugar levels over the last two to three months. Think of it as your body’s “glucose report card.” When sugar stays in your bloodstream, it attaches to haemoglobin—the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. The more sugar attached, the higher your HbA1c result.

This test is essential for checking how well your body manages glucose over time, rather than just at one moment. It helps detect early signs of diabetes, monitor treatment progress, and assess the risk of complications like nerve damage or heart disease.

Quick facts:

• Measures long-term average blood sugar on the IFCC scale (mmol/mol)
• Normal range: below 42 mmol/mol (non-diabetic levels)
• High results suggest poor glucose control or insulin resistance

By understanding your HbA1c levels, you can take proactive steps toward better metabolic health and reduce your risk of diabetes-related issues.

Why is Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) IFCC mmol/m important?

Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) IFCC mmol/m is one of the most powerful long-term indicators of metabolic health, offering insight into your average blood sugar over 2–3 months. Unlike a single glucose reading (which can bounce up or down), HbA1c reflects sustained glucose exposure. Because chronic high blood sugar is a driver of damage in blood vessels, nerves, kidneys, and eyes, keeping HbA1c in a healthy range is central to preserving organ health and extending healthy lifespan.

When HbA1c stays elevated over time, it’s strongly linked to insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and microvascular complications. For people with diabetes, HbA1c is a key metric used to monitor how well therapy is working and reduce risks of long-term damage. 

In Australia, around 1 in 15 adults (6.6 %) now have diabetes, up from 5.1 % a decade ago — making early and accurate monitoring more critical than ever.

In clinical audits, the median HbA1c among Australians with diagnosed diabetes is about 63 mmol/mol, indicating many people live with glucose control above optimal targets.

By tracking your HbA1c, you gain a clearer picture of your metabolic trajectory — and a timely opportunity to intervene before serious diseases develop.

When should you get a Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) IFCC mmol/m test?

Testing your Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) IFCC mmol/m is recommended when you or your doctor want to assess your long-term blood sugar control. It helps identify prediabetes, manage diabetes, and track metabolic health over time.

You should consider getting this test if:

• You experience symptoms such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, or blurred vision
• You have a family history of diabetes or insulin resistance
• You have chronic conditions such as obesity, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol
• You are pregnant or planning pregnancy and have risk factors for gestational diabetes
• Your GP recommends monitoring as part of diabetes management
• You’ve had abnormal results in related tests like fasting glucose, insulin, or C-peptide levels

Combining your HbA1c results with other glucose markers such as fasting glucose and insulin offers a more complete view of how your body regulates blood sugar and supports early detection of metabolic issues.

How does the Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) IFCC mmol/m test work in Australia?

The Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) IFCC mmol/m test is done using a blood sample (usually from a vein or sometimes a finger prick). Because it measures the glucose bound to red blood cells over weeks to months, no fasting is required — you can have it done any time of day. Many Australian pathology providers explicitly state the test “does not require any special preparation.”

Medicare coverage vs private cost

The HbA1c test is included in the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) under item numbers (for established diabetes monitoring) such as MBS item 73812 and 73839. However, Medicare only covers up to four HbA1c tests per 12 months for people with diagnosed diabetes — extra tests beyond that timeframe must be paid privately.

If the pathology centre “bulk bills” and the test qualifies under MBS rules (correct referral, approved lab, etc.), you may pay no out-of-pocket cost. Otherwise, private pricing applies — for example, some private labs list an HbA1c test at AUD $65, or AUD $49 via direct-access testing services.

Access via comprehensive blood test panels

Many providers offer HbA1c bundled into metabolic health or “diabetes” panels, alongside tests like fasting glucose, insulin, lipid profile, liver enzymes, etc.

These comprehensive panels simplify access and give a broader picture of metabolic health beyond just HbA1c.

What do my Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) IFCC mmol/m results mean?

Your Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) IFCC mmol/m result shows your average blood sugar level over the past two to three months. The higher your result, the more glucose has been circulating in your blood, which can signal insulin resistance or diabetes. Low or normal levels suggest healthy glucose control.

Here’s a simple guide to help interpret your results:

Results may be slightly different between laboratories, so it’s important to review your report with a healthcare provider. Testing related biomarkers such as fasting glucose, insulin, and C-peptide helps give a clearer picture of your overall metabolic health.

Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) IFCC mmol/m in Context

While the Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) IFCC mmol/m test offers valuable insight into long-term blood sugar control, it’s most meaningful when assessed alongside related markers. Blood sugar regulation influences many aspects of metabolic health, so combining results provides a more complete picture.

Other relevant tests include:

• Fasting Glucose: Shows your immediate blood sugar level at the time of testing.
• Insulin: Helps determine how effectively your body regulates glucose and identifies insulin resistance.
• C-Peptide: Indicates how much insulin your pancreas is producing.
• Lipid Profile (Cholesterol, HDL, LDL, Triglycerides): Assesses how blood sugar control impacts heart and vascular health.
• Liver Function Tests: Monitors enzymes such as ALT and GGT that may rise with insulin resistance or fatty liver changes.

Interpreting Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) results alongside these markers gives a clearer understanding of your metabolic balance and supports early detection of diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular risks.

Lifestyle & Practical Steps

Your Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) IFCC mmol/m level reflects how consistently your blood sugar stays within a healthy range, so everyday habits play a major role in influencing it. Small, steady improvements in lifestyle can help lower or stabilise your HbA1c over time.

1. Balanced Diet: Focus on whole foods, fibre-rich vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Limiting refined carbohydrates and sugary drinks helps prevent blood sugar spikes. The Mediterranean or DASH diet patterns are both linked to better long-term glucose control.
2. Regular Exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming. Strength training twice a week improves insulin sensitivity and muscle glucose uptake.
3. Quality Sleep: Getting 7–9 hours of good-quality sleep helps regulate hunger hormones and improves insulin response. Poor sleep has been shown to increase HbA1c levels over time.
4. Stress Management: Chronic stress raises cortisol, which can push blood sugar higher. Practices like yoga, meditation, and mindful breathing support a calmer nervous system and better glucose balance.
5. Weight Maintenance: Even modest weight loss (5–10% of body weight) can significantly reduce insulin resistance and improve HbA1c readings.

The best starting point is testing — once you know your levels, you can take personalised steps.

FAQs about Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) IFCC mmol/m blood test in Australia

What is the Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) IFCC mmol/m blood test used for?

It measures your average blood sugar over the past two to three months. The test helps detect prediabetes, diagnose diabetes, and monitor long-term glucose control in people with diabetes.

Do I need to fast before a Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) test?

No fasting is required. You can eat and drink normally before your blood sample is collected, as the test reflects long-term glucose levels rather than immediate changes.

How much does the Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) test cost in Australia?

If ordered by your GP for diabetes screening or management, the test is usually bulk billed under Medicare, meaning no cost. Private tests without a referral typically range from $45 to $65, depending on the pathology provider.

Is the Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) test covered by Medicare?

Yes, Medicare covers up to four HbA1c tests per year for people with diagnosed diabetes when referred by a doctor under eligible MBS items.

Can pregnant women take the Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) test?

Yes, it’s often included in early pregnancy screening for those at risk of gestational diabetes, though the oral glucose tolerance test is still the main diagnostic tool.

What is a normal Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level?

A normal result is below 42 mmol/mol. Levels between 42–47 mmol/mol suggest prediabetes, and 48 mmol/mol or higher indicates diabetes.

What symptoms may suggest I need this test?

Frequent urination, increased thirst, fatigue, or blurred vision can indicate high blood sugar levels and warrant testing.

Can I get a Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) test without a GP referral?

Yes, several private pathology providers in Australia offer direct-access HbA1c testing without a referral, usually for a small fee.

Conclusion

Understanding your Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) IFCC mmol/m levels offers powerful insight into your long-term blood sugar control and overall metabolic health. Because it reflects your average glucose levels over several months, it helps identify prediabetes, monitor diabetes, and assess how well your body manages insulin. Regular testing can reveal early changes before symptoms appear, allowing you to make informed choices about your diet, exercise, and lifestyle.

Knowing your HbA1c levels isn’t just about numbers — it’s about understanding how your daily habits affect your long-term wellbeing. With clear insights, you can take small, practical steps to reduce your risk of diabetes and related complications while supporting better energy and balance.

Take control of your health today. Sign up for our comprehensive blood test and get clear insights into your Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) IFCC mmol/m and more than 50 other key markers.

References

• Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). Diabetes: Pathology and Management
• Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) – Item 73812
• RACGP / NewsGP article: “MBS point-of-care testing: What GPs need to know”
• Healthdirect (Australia). “HbA1c test – a blood test to diagnose and monitor diabetes”‍
• Zheng M, et al. “Diabetes Mellitus Diagnosis and Screening in Australian general practice” (PMC)