‘My fasting glucose is 300, HbA1c is 15, but all the other tests were normal. At 75, what does this indicate?’

At 75, it's not about controlling your blood sugar aggressively. It's about safe and stable management to safeguard your health

By: Lifestyle Desk

New Delhi | September 29, 2025 11:30 AM IST

3 min read

Here's what you should consider (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

We have been extensively covering topics related to diabetes, including blood sugar, blood pressure, and fasting glucose, in many of our previous pieces. In continuation, we were left wondering if this Quora user’s question resonated with our readers, considering a high HbA1c is an issue with many these days. The question: ‘My fasting glucose is 300, HbA1c is 15, but all the other tests were normal. At age 75, what does this indicate?’

We turned to Dr Pranav Ghody, consultant endocrinologist and diabetologist at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central, who described these numbers as “alarming”.

“A fasting glucose of 300 and HbA1c of 15 indicate extremely uncontrolled diabetes. Although the rest of your other tests might appear normal today, these levels quietly overburden the heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves. Complications of diabetes do not manifest overnight; they accumulate progressively, and by the time they arrive in test results or in daily activity, they might already be far advanced,” said Dr Ghody.

If I do not feel ill, do I need to worry?

Yes, affirmed Dr Ghody. “This is where diabetes is tricky. Patients often feel ‘normal’ while their sugar is critically elevated. Lack of symptoms does not equate to lack of danger. In fact, not attending to these levels just because you do not feel sick can delay therapy and multiply the likelihood of abrupt or severe complications,” said Dr Ghody.

Here’s what it means for an elderly person (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

What do I do right now?

The first priority is to get medical assistance without delay. “At such readings, diet alone won’t work. You will require medicine, and most probably insulin, to lower your sugar safely. Do not try self-medication or crash diets. Your endocrinologist will create a stepwise regimen, possibly starting with insulin, followed by a mixture of tablets and lifestyle modifications,” said Dr Ghody.

Can things still improve at this stage?

Story continues below this ad

Definitely, stressed Dr Ghody. “With proper treatment, blood sugar can be controlled, complications postponed, and quality of life preserved,” said Dr Ghody.

Also Read | ‘My Hb1AC test is 10.5 per cent. Is medication necessary, or can I fix it with diet and lifestyle?’

The need is to emphasise routine follow-up, a low-sugar and low-refined-carbohydrate diet, daily mild exercise like walking, and tight control of medication as directed. “At 75, it’s not about controlling your blood sugar aggressively. It’s about safe and stable management to safeguard your health,” added Dr Ghody.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.

From the homepage