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HbA1c and blood sugar report: fasting, PP and HbA1c ranges explained
Blood sugar tests show how much glucose is in your blood. Fasting and post-meal (PP) tests capture one moment; HbA1c shows your average sugar over roughly the last three months.
What each value means
| On your report | What it measures | Typical adult range |
|---|---|---|
| HbA1c | Average blood sugar over about 3 months | Below 5.7% normal; 5.7–6.4% prediabetes range; 6.5% or above diabetes range |
| Fasting blood sugar (FBS) | Sugar after 8–10 hours without food | 70–99 mg/dL normal; 100–125 prediabetes range; 126 or above diabetes range |
| Post-prandial (PP / PPBS) | Sugar 2 hours after a meal | Below 140 mg/dL normal; 140–199 prediabetes range; 200 or above diabetes range |
| Random blood sugar (RBS) | Sugar at any time of day | Interpreted by the doctor with symptoms |
Ranges differ between laboratories, machines, age groups and in pregnancy. The range printed on your own report is the one that applies to you.
What the ranges mean
These bands are the ones used to screen for diabetes. A diagnosis is made by a doctor, usually after a repeat test or two different tests agreeing. If you already have diabetes, your doctor sets your own targets, which are often different.
When HbA1c can mislead
Anaemia, recent blood loss or transfusion, pregnancy and some haemoglobin variants common in parts of India can make HbA1c read higher or lower than your true average. If your HbA1c and daily sugar readings do not match, tell your doctor.
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Read my reportCommon questions
What is a normal HbA1c?
Below 5.7% is generally considered normal. 5.7–6.4% is the prediabetes range, and 6.5% or above is the diabetes range, which a doctor confirms.
What is normal fasting blood sugar?
70–99 mg/dL after at least 8 hours without food. 100–125 mg/dL is called impaired fasting glucose.
Do I need to fast for HbA1c?
No. HbA1c reflects about three months, so a meal before the test does not change it.
Other lab test guides
Complete blood count (CBC) · Thyroid profile (TSH, T3, T4) · Lipid profile (cholesterol test) · Liver function test (LFT) · Kidney function test (KFT / RFT) · Vitamin D and vitamin B12 tests
This guide is general information for adults, not medical advice and not a diagnosis. Only a qualified doctor can interpret your results. Updated 2026-10-06. See the medical disclaimer.