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HbA1c: A tool You Can't Cheat With

Published on December 03, 2012 | Updated on March 22, 2026 | Shruti Marjara Kushwaha | Nutritionist | 2 comments
blood sugar test blood test for diabetes diabetes diet glycated hemoglobin glycosylated hemoglobin hba1c
HbA1c: A tool You Can't Cheat With

It is the time for your routine blood sugar test. You start being strict with your diet so that the test is in your favour. Well with routine fasting and PP this might work but with HbA1c forget about cheating. It can easily find out how much you have cheated on your diet and how good or bad the blood glucose has been over the months.

HbA1c testing is currently one of the best ways to check whether blood glucose levels of a diabetic person are under control or not. This test can be administered to detect diabetes and also to check blood glucose control over several months. The higher the result, the higher is the risk of developing diabetes or diabetes-related complications in case a person is already a diabetic.

What is HbA1c?

HbA1c measures the amount of glycated / glycosylated haemoglobin in the blood. Glucose present in blood sticks to the haemoglobin to make a 'glycosylated haemoglobin' molecule, called HbA1c. More glucose in the blood creates higher levels of haemoglobin A1c or HbA1c. Red blood cells (RBCs) live for 120 days before the body replaces them. Measuring the HbA1c can ascertain the average level of high blood glucose over the last 120 days.Therefore, a build-up of glycated hemoglobin within the red cell reflects the average level of glucose that has exposed the cell during its life-cycle.

The International Diabetes Federation and American College of Endocrinology recommend considering HbA1c values of 6% or less as normal, and diagnosing diabetes if the value is above 6.5%. A person with diabetes should try to maintain the level at or below 7%. Abnormal results mean that the blood glucose levels have been above normal over weeks to months. For a diabetic person, if the levels are above 7%, diabetes control may not be as good as it should be. Doctors usually recommend checking the levels of a diabetic person every 3 or 6 months.

Glucose levels fluctuate from minute to minute, hour to hour, and day to day. Thus, for day-to-day control, a blood glucose test is the best guide. The HbA1c level changes slowly over 10 weeks, so it can only be used as a 'quality control' test.

Image by Angelo Esslinger from Pixabay

Shruti Marjara Kushwaha
Reviewed by NutriMantra

Shruti Marjara Kushwaha

Nutritionist & Founder, NutriMantra

Shruti blends evidence-based nutrition with practical Indian food guidance, shaped by experience across AIIMS, VLCC, HealthKart, research, counselling, and long-term lifestyle support.

20+ years experience AIIMS VLCC HealthKart 1000+ patients
Special focus areas
Diabetes PCOS Weight management Gut health Heart health Pregnancy nutrition
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Frequently Asked Questions

What foods can help lower my HbA1c levels in an Indian diet?
Incorporating foods high in fiber like whole grains (like brown rice and whole wheat), legumes (like lentils and chickpeas), and plenty of vegetables can help manage blood sugar levels. Additionally, including low glycemic index foods such as millets and non-starchy vegetables can be beneficial.
How often should I check my HbA1c levels if I am diabetic in India?
If you are diabetic, it is generally recommended to check your HbA1c levels every 3 to 6 months, as advised by your healthcare provider. This helps monitor your long-term blood glucose control and adjust your diet and medication accordingly.
Is it true that I can cheat on my diet and still have a normal HbA1c?
No, HbA1c provides an average of your blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months, making it difficult to 'cheat' on your diet. Consistent high blood sugar levels will reflect in your HbA1c, indicating poor diabetes management.
What lifestyle changes can I make to improve my HbA1c levels in India?
Regular physical activity, such as walking or yoga, combined with a balanced diet rich in whole foods, can significantly improve HbA1c levels. Additionally, managing stress through meditation or other relaxation techniques can also play a crucial role in blood sugar control.

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Comments (2)

A

ANITA BASERA · Dec 18, 2012 03:02 PM

i like the information bt elaborate more on the details of glycosylated haemoglobin, i mean ita metabolic aspects.

S

Shruti · Jan 02, 2013 02:06 PM

Reply

Hemoglobin and glucose combine to make HbA1c. The higher the amount of free glucose available in blood (diabetes) higher is the saturation of hemoglobin molecule and higher the value of HbA1c. It is considered better than regular blood glucose testing because it gives a a clear picture on blood glucose management over past 2-3 months. Apologies for the late response.

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