In the international diabetes community the topic of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) continues to generate controversy for a number of reasons. 

D. Fasting is not required for measurement

According to an International Expert Committee on diabetes, convened in 2008, a HbA1c >6.5% can be used to diagnose diabetes (along with fasting glucose >126 mg/dL and 2-hour plasma glucose >200 mg/dL during oral glucose tolerance test). One of its conveniences is that it does not require fasting prior to measurement.

There is no evidence that male or female sex affects results. However, HbA1c levels can vary with race. African Americans, with or without diabetes, can have higher HbA1c levels than Caucasians. This is true even when matched for fasting plasma glucose levels.

Truths About HbA1c