From the 1st June 2009 the way in which you receive your annual HbA1c will be changing from a percentage figure to a measurement in mmol/mol.
The annual HbA1c test for people with diabetes gives a measure of what your average blood glucose levels have been over a period of 2-3 months. The test measures glucose in the blood which sticks to the red blood cells making glycosolated haemoglobin. The more glucose present, the higher the HbA1c level will be.
For most people with diabetes the current target level for their HbA1c test is 6.5%, but targets vary according to the individual. The test will still give the same basic information and here is how the results will appear:
Current HbA1c New HbA1c
(%) (mmol/mol)
6.0 42
6.5 48
7.0 53
7.5 59
8.0 64
9.0 75
So for example, the equivalent of the HbA1c target of 6.5% will be equivalent to the new HbA1c target of 48 mmol/mol.
In June 2009 the new HbA1c measurement will appear alongside the old percentage result and this will
continue until 31 May 2011.
From 1 June 2011 results will be given only as the new HbA1c result in mmol/mol. For more information see your healthcare professional.