Medically Reviewed By: Dr Paul Lim – MBBS, M.Med (Int Med), MRCP (UK), FAMS (Cardiology)
HbA1c Test Glycated Haemoglobin Blood Test in Singapore
HbA1c — glycated haemoglobin — shows your average blood sugar over the past two to three months, not just a single moment. It is the key test for diabetes and prediabetes, and because high blood sugar damages the arteries, it is an important part of assessing your heart-disease risk.
Clinical Experience
Your HbA1c Result Is Interpreted by Dr Paul Lim
Senior Consultant Cardiologist & Cardiac Electrophysiologist
Dr Paul Lim is a Senior Consultant Cardiologist who reviews your HbA1c result in the context of your full cardiovascular risk — your blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, family history and lifestyle — and explains what it means for you and what, if anything, to do about it. He completed advanced fellowship training at Barts Heart Centre, London under Singapore’s HMDP award.
- MBBS (Singapore)
- M.Med (Int Med)
- MRCP (UK)
- FAMS (Cardiology)
- Fellow, European Society of Cardiology (FESC)
- Fellow, American College of Cardiology (FACC)
- Fellow, Heart Rhythm Society (FHRS)
What Is HbA1c?
HbA1c, or glycated haemoglobin, reflects your average blood sugar over the past two to three months. Sugar in the blood sticks to haemoglobin — the protein that carries oxygen in your red blood cells — and the more sugar there has been, the higher your HbA1c.
Because red blood cells live for about three months, a single HbA1c gives a longer-term picture than a one-off glucose reading, and it does not need fasting. It is the standard test used to identify prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, and to monitor blood sugar control over time — all of which matter for your heart.
Why HbA1c Is Important
Diabetes and prediabetes are major cardiovascular risk factors. Testing helps a cardiologist assess:
- Whether you have prediabetes or diabetes, often before you notice any symptoms
- Your risk of heart attack, stroke and coronary artery disease from high blood sugar damaging the arteries
- How well your blood sugar is controlled over time, not just on the day of the test
- Whether your other risk factors — blood pressure, cholesterol, weight — should be treated more intensively
- A baseline you can re-check to see whether lifestyle changes or treatment are working
HbA1c is one piece of your overall risk picture, best interpreted by a cardiologist alongside your other results — for example a fasting insulin or HOMA-IR test, a CT calcium score or a full heart screening.
Who Should Have an HbA1c Test?
An HbA1c test is especially worth considering if you have:
- Excess weight, particularly around the middle, or a raised BMI
- A family history of type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure or abnormal cholesterol
- A history of gestational diabetes or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Known prediabetes or diabetes that needs monitoring
- A wish to understand your blood sugar control and heart risk as part of a thorough health check
Not sure whether the test is right for you? Dr Paul Lim can advise during a consultation and arrange it where appropriate.
What to Expect
The test itself is quick and straightforward.
- No fasting is needed — you can eat and drink normally and take your usual medicines before the test.
- A member of our clinical team takes a single blood sample from a vein in your arm. It takes only a few minutes.
- The sample is sent to the laboratory and your HbA1c is measured.
- Dr Paul Lim reviews the result alongside your blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, family history and lifestyle, and explains what it means for you.
- If your HbA1c is raised, he will discuss how to bring it down and lower your overall cardiovascular risk.
Why Do Your HbA1c Test with Us?
A Longer-Term View
HbA1c shows your average blood sugar over two to three months, not just a single snapshot on the day.
Interpreted by a Cardiologist
Your result is reviewed by Dr Paul Lim and explained in the context of your overall heart and metabolic risk — not just handed to you as a number.
No Fasting, One Sample
A single blood draw with no fasting and no special preparation.
Track Your Progress
Because HbA1c reflects the last few months, it can be re-checked about every three months to see whether your changes or treatment are working.
Transparent Pricing
Our HbA1c and consultation fees are published below, so you know the cost before you book.
Two Locations
Available at our Jurong and Orchard clinics.
Wondering if you should check your HbA1c? Speak with Dr Paul Lim.
HbA1c Test Cost in Singapore
All fees are inclusive of GST.
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Test | |
| HbA1c (glycated haemoglobin) | S$27.25 |
| Basic Heart Check-Up Package An all-inclusive screening — includes HbA1c, a cardiologist consultation & review, a comprehensive blood panel, a resting ECG and a treadmill stress test | S$368 |
| Consultation | |
| First Consultation with Cardiologist (Jurong) | S$130.80 |
| Follow-up Consultation with Cardiologist (Jurong) | S$98.10 |
| First Consultation with Cardiologist (Orchard) | S$272.50 |
| Follow-up Consultation with Cardiologist (Orchard) | S$163.50 |
A consultation with the cardiologist is required so the test can be properly indicated and your result interpreted in the context of your overall cardiometabolic risk.
HbA1c is included in our heart screening packages. Because it reflects the last two to three months, it can be repeated about every three months to track your blood sugar control.
Book a Cardiologist Appointment
Contact us to schedule a consultation or to find out more about our cardiac services.
Send Us a Message
HbA1c FAQ
What is HbA1c?
HbA1c, or glycated haemoglobin, reflects your average blood sugar over the past two to three months. Sugar in the blood sticks to haemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen in your red blood cells, and the more sugar there has been, the higher your HbA1c. Because red blood cells live for about three months, a single HbA1c gives a longer-term picture of your blood sugar than a one-off glucose reading.
Why does HbA1c matter for my heart?
Diabetes and prediabetes are major risk factors for heart disease and stroke. Persistently high blood sugar damages blood vessels and speeds up furring-up of the arteries. Because HbA1c reflects your average blood sugar over months, it helps a cardiologist gauge this risk and decide how intensively your other risk factors should be managed.
Who should have an HbA1c test?
An HbA1c test is worth considering if you are overweight or carry weight around the middle, have a family history of type 2 diabetes, have high blood pressure or abnormal cholesterol, have had gestational diabetes or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or simply want to know your blood sugar control as part of a heart-risk assessment. It is also used to monitor people who already have diabetes or prediabetes. Dr Paul Lim can advise whether the test is appropriate for you.
How is HbA1c different from a fasting glucose test?
A fasting glucose test measures your blood sugar at a single moment and needs you to fast beforehand. HbA1c reflects your average blood sugar over the past two to three months and does not need fasting. The two tests are complementary, and your cardiologist may use them together to build a clearer picture.
Do I need to fast, and how is the test done?
No fasting is needed for an HbA1c test. It is a single blood sample taken from a vein in your arm by a member of our clinical team, and takes only a few minutes.
How often should HbA1c be checked?
Because HbA1c reflects roughly the last three months, it is usually repeated about every three months when blood sugar is being actively managed, and less often once it is stable and within target. Your cardiologist will advise on the right interval for you.
Can a high HbA1c be lowered?
Yes. A high HbA1c usually improves with the same measures that protect your heart — a healthier diet, regular physical activity, losing excess weight, and, where appropriate, medication. Dr Paul Lim will explain what your result means and the steps that can help bring it down and lower your overall cardiovascular risk.
How much does an HbA1c test cost in Singapore?
At our clinic an HbA1c test is S$27.25, inclusive of GST. A cardiologist consultation is also required (S$130.80 first / S$98.10 follow-up at Jurong; S$272.50 first / S$163.50 follow-up at Orchard, inclusive of GST). HbA1c is also included in our heart screening packages. See the fee table above.