HbA1c test: normal range, diabetes levels and price in Pakistan
What the HbA1c (A1c) test measures, the normal, prediabetes and diabetes ranges, how often to test, and where to compare HbA1c prices at labs in Pakistan.
3 min readUpdated 31 October 2026
This is general information only, not medical advice. Please always confirm with your medical consultant or a certified doctor before using any medicine, test or treatment.
Pakistan has one of the highest rates of diabetes in the world, and many people do not know they have it. The HbA1c test (also called A1c or glycated haemoglobin) is one of the simplest ways to check. It shows your average blood sugar over the last two to three months, so one sweet meal or one missed dose does not change it much.
Compare HbA1c prices at labs near you.
How HbA1c works
Sugar in the blood sticks to haemoglobin inside red blood cells. Red cells live for about three months, so the share of haemoglobin with sugar attached reflects your average sugar over that time. The result is given as a percentage (and sometimes in mmol/mol).
Normal, prediabetes and diabetes ranges
These are the cut-offs used by most doctors (American Diabetes Association criteria):
| HbA1c | What it usually means |
|---|---|
| Below 5.7% | Normal |
| 5.7% to 6.4% | Prediabetes (higher risk of diabetes) |
| 6.5% or higher | Diabetes, if confirmed by a repeat test or another sugar test |
For people who already have diabetes, many doctors aim for an HbA1c below about 7%, but the target is set for each person. Older people, pregnant women and people with frequent low sugars may have a different target.
Who should get tested
- Adults over about 35 to 40, especially with a family history of diabetes.
- Anyone overweight, with high blood pressure, high cholesterol or a history of diabetes in pregnancy.
- People with symptoms: a lot of thirst or urination, weight loss without trying, blurred vision, slow-healing wounds or frequent infections.
- People already on diabetes medicine, usually every three months until stable, then every three to six months.
How to prepare
No fasting is needed for HbA1c, and it can be done at any time of day. If the lab is also doing fasting sugar or a lipid profile, fast for those as advised.
HbA1c can be misleading in some conditions: severe anaemia, recent blood loss or transfusion, pregnancy, kidney disease and some haemoglobin variants such as thalassaemia trait. Tell your doctor if any of these apply.
Diabetes medicines in Pakistan
If you are diagnosed, your doctor may start medicines such as metformin, glimepiride or insulin. These pages list the brands sold in Pakistan with their retail prices. Never change or stop a diabetes medicine without your doctor.
HbA1c price and labs
Prices vary by lab and city. Compare labs on the HbA1c test page, or browse labs in Lahore, labs in Karachi and labs in Islamabad. Many offer home sample collection.
When to get help urgently
Very high sugar with vomiting, deep fast breathing, confusion or drowsiness, or very low sugar with sweating, shaking or fainting, needs urgent care. Call 1122 or find a hospital on the emergency page.
This is general information only, not medical advice. Please always confirm with your medical consultant or a certified doctor before using any medicine, test or treatment.