The HbA1c test measures the percentage of glycated haemoglobin in your blood using Immunoassay from a capillary dried blood spot (DBS) sample. HbA1c reflects your average blood glucose levels over the past 2–3 months and is the gold standard for diagnosing and monitoring diabetes. Unlike a single fasting glucose measurement, HbA1c captures the full picture of how your body has been managing blood sugar over time, making it one of the most reliable biomarkers in preventive medicine.
Normal HbA1c levels (below 5.7%) are associated with good metabolic health and significantly reduced cardiovascular risk. Elevated levels (5.7–6.5%) indicate pre-diabetes — a critical window where lifestyle interventions such as dietary changes, exercise, and weight management can prevent progression to type 2 diabetes. Levels above 6.5% are consistent with a diabetes diagnosis and require medical management to prevent long-term complications.
Chronically elevated HbA1c is linked to a range of serious health consequences including cardiovascular disease, kidney damage (nephropathy), nerve damage (neuropathy), vision loss (retinopathy), impaired wound healing, and increased susceptibility to infections. Research consistently demonstrates that each 1% reduction in HbA1c can reduce the risk of microvascular complications by up to 37% and diabetes-related mortality by 21%.
| Food Source | Serving Size | GI Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rolled Oats (porridge) | 1 cup cooked | 55 | Low GI |
| Sweet Potato (boiled) | 150g | 46 | Low GI |
| Lentils (cooked) | 1 cup | 32 | Low GI |
| Chickpeas (canned) | 1 cup | 42 | Low GI |
| Quinoa (cooked) | 1 cup | 53 | Low GI |
| Brown Rice | 1 cup cooked | 50 | Low GI |
| Apple (whole, raw) | 1 medium | 36 | Low GI |
| Greek Yoghurt (plain) | 200g | 24 | Low GI |
| Kidney Beans | 1 cup cooked | 24 | Low GI |
| Wholegrain Bread | 1 slice | 51 | Low GI |
| Food | Serving Size | GI Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| White bread | 1 slice | 75 | High GI, rapid glucose spike |
| Baked potato | 1 medium | 85 | Very high GI |
| White rice | 1 cup cooked | 73 | Refined carbs, high GI |
| Sugary cereals | 1 serving | 70–85 | Added sugars, spikes glucose |
| Soft drinks / juice | 250mL | 63–70 | Liquid sugar, rapid absorption |
| Confectionery / sweets | 50g | 65–80 | High sugar, minimal nutrition |