Hemoglobin A1c Test
A hemoglobin A1c test measures your average blood sugar over the past two to three months. It is used to screen for and diagnose prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, and to track blood sugar in people who already have diabetes (MedlinePlus). It does not require fasting. Cash prices ran $29 to $50 as of September 23, 2026.
What does an A1c test measure?
Sugar in your blood sticks to hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. The A1c test reports the percentage of your hemoglobin that has sugar attached. Because red blood cells live for a few months, that percentage reflects your average blood sugar over roughly the past two to three months, not just today (MedlinePlus).
Why is an A1c commonly ordered in the GLP-1 context?
Some GLP-1 medications are approved to treat type 2 diabetes, and others are approved for weight management. In both cases, knowing a person’s blood sugar status matters to the prescriber:
- The American Diabetes Association lists an A1c as part of the medical evaluation for people with diabetes (ADA Standards of Care 2026, Section 4, Table 4.1).
- A clinical review on evaluating adults with obesity lists an A1c to check for type 2 diabetes and prediabetes (Dobbie et al., 2023).
- The Wegovy and Zepbound labels say that people with diabetes should have blood glucose monitored before starting and during treatment (Wegovy prescribing information, section 2.1) (Zepbound prescribing information, section 5.7).
How often is A1c checked during treatment?
For people with diabetes, the ADA recommends checking glycemic status at least twice a year, and more often, such as every three months, after a treatment change or when goals are not being met (ADA Standards of Care 2026, Section 6, recommendation 6.2). The prescriber sets the actual schedule. See follow-up labs during GLP-1 treatment.
How do I prepare for an A1c test?
No fasting is needed. MedlinePlus notes that some medicines and pregnancy can affect results, so tell the ordering provider about both (MedlinePlus). If the A1c is drawn with other tests that do need fasting, follow the fasting instructions for the whole visit.
How much does an A1c test cost without insurance?
| Where | Test price | Required fee | Total | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walk-In Lab | $35 | $6 | $41 | View at Walk-In Lab |
| Personalabs | $50 | None listed | $50 | View at Personalabs |
| HealthLabs.com | $29 | None listed | $29 | View at HealthLabs.com |
| Private MD Labs | $31 | None listed | $31 | View at Private MD Labs |
| Quest (questhealth.com) | $39 | $6 | $45 | View at Quest (questhealth.com) |
Prices last checked September 23, 2026 on each company's own website. Prices change often, and sales come and go, so confirm the price at checkout. Totals add one required fee per order. Not checked: Labcorp OnDemand (site unavailable on the check date).
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need to fast for an A1c test?
- No. MedlinePlus says no fasting is needed for an A1c test. Tell whoever orders it about your medicines and whether you are pregnant, since these can affect results.
- What time period does an A1c cover?
- An A1c reflects average blood sugar over roughly the past two to three months, according to MedlinePlus.
- How much does an A1c test cost without insurance?
- Across the online providers we checked, a single A1c cost between $29 and $50 including any required fee. See the dated price table on this page.
Sources
- Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) Test. MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Checked September 23, 2026.
- 4. Comprehensive Medical Evaluation and Assessment of Comorbidities: Standards of Care in Diabetes 2026 (Table 4.1). American Diabetes Association, Diabetes Care 2026;49(Suppl 1):S61 to S88. Checked September 23, 2026.
- 6. Glycemic Goals, Hypoglycemia, and Hyperglycemic Crises: Standards of Care in Diabetes 2026. American Diabetes Association, Diabetes Care 2026;49(Suppl 1). Checked September 23, 2026.
- WEGOVY (semaglutide) injection and tablets, Prescribing Information (revised 06/2026). Novo Nordisk / U.S. FDA. Checked September 23, 2026.
- ZEPBOUND (tirzepatide) injection, Prescribing Information (revised 08/2026). Eli Lilly / U.S. FDA. Checked September 23, 2026.
- Clinical evaluation of patients living with obesity (Dobbie LJ, Coelho C, Crane J, McGowan B). Internal and Emergency Medicine, 2023. Checked September 23, 2026.